Nagasaki A-bomb 'survivors' seeking recognition file appeal with Supreme Court

NAGASAKI -- Hundreds of people, who were outside the government-designated "bombed area" of Nagasaki when it was hit with an atomic bomb at the end of World War II, have appealed a high court ruling rejecting their request for official recognition as atomic bomb survivors to the Supreme Court.

The Fukuoka High Court on May 23 upheld a lower court ruling rejecting a suit brought by 388 people who were requesting the central, Nagasaki prefectural and city governments to issue health cards officially recognizing their status as atomic bomb survivors.

Those who hold such health cards are entitled to financial assistance to cover their medical expenses.

The plaintiffs appealed the high court ruling to the Supreme Court on June 6.