Japan Immigration News

Sri Lankan detainee’s death could have been prevented, doctor testifies

Release Date: 2026-01-29
Media: Japan Times
Summary: At a hearing at the Nagoya District Court, a medical expert testified that the death of Sri Lankan detainee Wishma Sandamali at a Japanese immigration detention facility in 2021 could have been prevented. The doctor stated that her condition deteriorated over time due to prolonged dehydration and starvation while in custody.

According to the testimony, these conditions reduced her blood circulation and caused a severe vitamin B1 deficiency, leading to beriberi heart disease. She eventually fell into shock and died from multiple organ failure. Medical records, including diet logs, nursing notes, and urine and blood test results, were cited to support this conclusion.

The doctor emphasized that there were several critical moments when standard medical care could have saved her life. Abnormal urine test results indicating starvation appeared weeks before her death, yet no blood tests or intravenous fluids were provided. In the final days, her blood pressure became unmeasurable and abnormal deep breathing was observed, conditions that should have triggered intensive treatment.

Wishma was detained in August 2020 and died in March 2021 at the age of 33. Her bereaved family has filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government, seeking damages and accountability for what they argue was a fatal failure to provide adequate medical care.
Tags: Detainees Rights

Released on

Article Title