I greet all of you with "Namaste" [hello] and ask for your support to get me out of this struggle. I am innocent and not guilty of anything that I am accused of. God bless everybody who is here and I want to convey my deep gratitude.

My name is Govinda Prasad Mainali and I was born in eastern Nepal in 1966. My grandfather's name is Jaya Prasad Mainali, and my mother's name is Chandrakala Mainali. My parents had two sons and sisters, and I was born as the third child following my eldest brother and sister.

I got married when I was 25 years old. My wife's name is Radha Mainali, and we had two daughters in the first two years of our marriage. I named the elder daughter Mithila, the younger Risa. They are now 8 and 9 years old, which means they are in the 2nd and 3rd grade of elementary school.

I was 10 years old when I first heard about Japan. I had an opportunity to learn about Japan in a history class at school. I remember in that class I felt so sad when I learned about so many people who died when the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the World War II. However, I then learned that, due to its extraordinary effort after the war, Japan had developed into one of the most affluent countries in the world. Japan has been called "The Land of Rising Sun." I used to dream that one day I would come to Japan and see all these organized roads, bridges and learn about Japanese society and customs.

After that, my brother and my sister, Urmila got acquainted with a Japanese person and started to come and go between Nepal and Japan. Because of my dream my brother and sister encouraged me to go to Japan saying that there are jobs everywhere and if I worked hard I would save a lot of money. They also said Japan is such a nice country with friendly people. I was very motivated to come to Japan.

Finally I decided to work hard in Japan for three or four years in order to build a new, modern house, give my daughters good education and lead a happy life together in the future. I left my lovely daughters, elderly parents and dearest wife in Nepal and came to Japan.

In April 1994, I finally arrived in Japan. On the way from the airport to Tokyo, I felt as if I was in the heaven. Skyscrapers, roads and bridges, and calm, honest people were everywhere. I felt really happy and realized how lucky I was. I initially worked as a waiter after and I worked hard without being absent. I did this for my future, my family and my dearest daughters. I sent almost all of my salary to Nepal leaving little living expenses for myself. I managed to have my daughters enter a prestigious school. I also bought land and built a house in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

One day I was suddenly arrested by the police. They threatened me saying, "You killed the woman, didn't you?" They did this kicking and beating me. They never believed me even I kept saying the truth that I had not killed her. Fortunately, the Tokyo District Court believed me and acquitted me of murder. However, even after the acquittal I was not able to go back to my country because the Tokyo High Court decided to detain me. The High Court reversed this decision and found me guilty of murder.

I believe that Buddha will never tolerate this unfair trial. Even my soul and my small daughters' souls will not excuse it. It is not right that those judges who are supposed to be wise and impartial have a biased view which prevents them from seeing the truth. It is not right to place guilt on an innocent person like me. How long, I wonder, do I have to bear this hardship? Why do I have to admit the guilt? It has already been four years since I was put in this small room in the detention center. I am really encouraged by the fact that you all are supporting me. Please give me the power and support so that the Supreme Court will acquit me and let me go back to my country. Thank you so much for coming to our ceremony.

Sincerely,
Govinda Prasad Mainali
Write to:

Govinda Prasad Mainali [Nepal]
4-2-2 Konan, Konan-ku,
Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Pref.
233-8501 JAPAN

Justice for Govinda-Innocence Advocacy Group
Contact: Imai Kyohei
Email:
https://www.jca.apc.org/~grillo