A Japanese law penalizing the planning of a range of crimes took effect Tuesday, with the government insisting that it will help thwart terrorism even as concerns linger among the public that enhanced police power could lead to suppression of civil liberties.Under the law, which the ruling parties rammed through the Diet last month, terrorist groups or other criminal organizations will be punished for planning and preparing to commit 277 crimes. It brings a major change to Japan's criminal law system that had basically applied penalties only after crimes had actually been committed.Prime Mi…READ FULL ARTICLE
