マイクオフ問題を改めて謝罪　新潟水俣病団体と懇談―伊藤環境相

　伊藤信太郎環境相は１７日、新潟市を訪れ、新潟水俣病被害者団体と懇談した。５月に熊本県で行われた水俣病被害者団体との懇談で、環境省職員がマイクを切って、参加者の発言を遮った問題を改めて謝罪。その上で「丁寧に意見交換を行うことで、水俣病対策を前進させたい」と述べた。環境相が新潟水俣病の被害者団体と新潟県内で懇談するのは２０１５年以来。１８日までの２日間にわたり、発言時間の制限を設けずに行う。
　団体側からは、被害者の早期救済を求める声が出た。これに対し伊藤氏は「全力を挙げて、環境省も力を合わせて進んでいきたい」と述べた。（2024/07/17-12:41）

Japanese Environment Minister Shintaro Ito met with Niigata Minamata disease sufferers Wednesday, apologizing over a recent incident in which citizens' remarks were cut short in a meeting with Ito.
   "We hope to advance measures against Minamata disease through careful exchange of opinions," Ito said during the first meeting between an environment minister and a group of Niigata Minamata disease sufferers in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, since 2015.
   In the incident in May this year, ministry staff switched off the microphone for some citizens while they were still speaking at a meeting between Ito and Minamata disease sufferers in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, drawing criticism from the public.
   Niigata Minamata disease, like Minamata disease, is a neurological disorder caused by methylmercury poisoning due to polluted industrial wastewater.
   In Niigata, Ito will meet with Niigata Minamata disease sufferers until Thursday. No time limit will be set for speeches by participating citizens.