The China Legal Aid Foundation announced  that it has received over 2.56 million yuan (US$318,289) in donations since last July. The money will be used on a legal aid fund for victims suffering from Japanese war crimes during World War II.

At a ceremony to mark the donations on Saturday in Beijing, a Foundation official said the donations, from enterprises and individuals, are expected to help alleviate financial burdens caused by the lawsuits against Tokyo.

 

Most of the 25 civil lawsuits demanding compensation from the Japanese government have failed due to a shortage of aid funds.

 

In addition to war atrocities, scores of Chinese have been injured by leftover poison gas shells in recent years. The chemical weapons were abandoned in China by Japan's retreating army after World War II.

 

(CRI February 26, 2006)