Japanese committee clears path for controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill

The bill is said to only apply to terrorist groups and other organised criminal groups

Despite public protests, resistance from opposition politicians and international condemnation, Japan's ruling coalition ended committee discussions on a controversial anti-conspiracy bill May 19, paving the way for its passage into law before the Japanese parliament breaks for summer next month.

There are fears the vague nature of the bill, which will cover nearly 300 crimes, will erode personal liberties in Japan once it is passed, providing authorities with broad surveillance powers, and leaving the question of who can be monitored open to interpretation.

Japan's ruling coalition, headed by Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and the Liberal Democrats, has tried for years