Japan Environment Minister apologies for “silencing” Minamata victims during meeting. 

Japanese Environment Minister Ito Shintaro apologized to Minamata disease victims on May 8 after a ministry staff member cut off their microphones during a meeting. 

The environment ministry official turned off the microphone while a patient was speaking during a discussion between the two parties on May 1. 

Ito visited Minamata City on May 8 to apologize to the participants of the meeting. 

Japanese Environment Minister Ito Shintaro / I am terribly sorry for what happened. I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. 

Nakayama Yuji, secretary-general of Minamata disease victims organization / The meeting was operated in an extremely abusive way, and the Environment Ministry has left an irreparable stain on its history. 

Kato Takeko, representative of Minamata patients’ supporting group / It seems that there is a spreading administration that does not reach the hearts of the patients. 

The Environment Minister has explained that it turned off the mic because the participant exceeded the designated three-minutes speaking time. 

Ito apologized directly to the participant as well, and promised to set another opportunity for discussion.