Law forced through in spite of protests

Abe on defensive over anti-terror bill after accusations of stifling debate

TOKYO - Controversial legislation to criminalize the planning of serious crimes was enacted by Japan's parliament on Thursday despite vociferous calls from opposition parties and the public.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition used its majority so the amendment to the law could clear a vote in an upper house plenary session after the Abe-led bloc controversially bypassed an upper house committee vote.