抗战影像记忆｜正义的审判

Core Viewpoint - The special military tribunal of the Supreme People's Court of China held its first trial of Japanese war criminals on June 9, 1956, in Shenyang, marking a significant moment in China's judicial history as it was the first time Chinese judges independently tried foreign aggressors [1][4]. Group 1 - The tribunal conducted two major cases: the first from June 9 to June 19, 1956, involving eight Japanese military officials, including General Suzuki Akihisa; the second from July 1 to July 20, 1956, involving 28 Japanese war criminals, including former officials of the puppet Manchukuo government [4][6]. - The Shenyang trial of Japanese war criminals is commemorated at the only museum dedicated to this theme, which opened on May 18, 2014, showcasing the historical significance of the trials through restored exhibits and factual displays [3][12]. - The trials were characterized by emotional testimonies from witnesses, with many war criminals expressing remorse and pleading for severe punishment during the proceedings [8][17]. Group 2 - After the trials, the tribunal decided to release some lower-ranking Japanese soldiers who had committed lesser crimes and demonstrated good behavior during their detention, leading to the formation of the "China Returnees Liaison Association" in Japan, aimed at promoting peace and Sino-Japanese friendship [12][17]. - The Shenyang trial serves as a reminder of the painful lessons of war and emphasizes the importance of cherishing peace, acting as both a historical judgment and a warning for the future [17].