Japan passes new bill to counter terror conspiracy

Japan’s lawmakers have passed a controversial bill allowing authorities to target terror conspiracies.

Prime minister, Shinzo Abe’s ruling bloc pushed it through the upper house early today, despite vocal opposition.

The government argued that law is needed to improve security ahead of the 2020 Olympics and to comply with a UN agreement signed by Japan.

However, critics said the bill weakens civil liberties and could be abused to target innocent citizens.