Overview

• A preliminary hearing this week will decide whether the Tokyo High Court allows Nelson’s appeal to proceed and which evidence can be considered
• Nelson’s legal team plans to introduce expert testimony on online romance scams to argue she was deceived into carrying methamphetamine
• She has been transferred to a Tokyo detention facility nearer the court with unrestricted letter-writing rights to improve family contact
• Eldest daughter Kristal Hilaire has returned to Japan to join other family members in supporting Nelson and navigating the legal process
• Nelson maintains her innocence and her case has drawn criticism of Japan’s near-total conviction rate and its strict detention conditions