Related: PM Koizumi's Shrine visit unconstitutional

Court dismisses damages claim for Yasukuni visit

    BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhuanet)--  The Takamatsu High Court on Wednesday rejected a lawsuit against Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to a war shrine that have been criticized in Asia for glorifying Japan's past militarism.

    The suit was brought by 159 people seeking a total 1.57 million yen (US$13,800; euro11,400) in compensation.

    The court rejected the lawsuit, court official Yoshifumi Uematsu said. He could not provide other details immediately.

    Kyodo News agency said the court did not make a judgment on whether the visits violated the constitution's ban on religious activities by the state.

    Wednesday's ruling came after two court decisions on similar lawsuits last week. 

    (Souorce: CRIENGLISH.com)