日 예술•소비자 단체, '평화의 소녀상' 전시 재개 촉구 잇따라

Japanese civic groups are urging Japan to bring back a statue to Tokyo's biggest international art festival that represents the victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery.
Japan's Association of Art Critics said the statue's removal on government orders violates freedom of expression, adding that art should not be repressed by violence and threats.
The association also urged organizers to put the statue back.
The Consumers Union of Japan also criticized the removal, saying the decision violates the rights of citizens and consumers.