BY FISCHER WATCH

August 1, 2004

Bobby Fischer, has hired a Japanese lawyer for his appeal against deportation from Japan.  The lawyer, Masako Suzuki, will file documents in support of Fischer's appeal to Japan's Justice Ministry by Monday after obtaining an extension from an original Friday deadline.  Fischer's lawyer is also filing a second request for provisional release.  An earlier request was rejected.  Suzuki said Fischer, who has been in custody since July 13, 2004, looked nervous and tired.  "I think he looks very tired, very fatigued. I think his condition is not good mentally, physically."  

"As a fallback, in case the appeal is rejected, Fischer has sought asylum in Japan as another line of defence.  In almost all cases the Japanese government will not force such a person back to their home country while the case is pending," Masako Suzuki said.

Japan accepts only political refugees.  Fischer's supporters in Japan say he is being persecuted by the United States.

"The non-smoking chess master is also unhappy at being kept in a cell where others around him smoke freely".  He has had no fresh air, no exercise, no sunlight and is smoked out all day," Bosnitch said.

A former Japanese lawmaker and chess aficionado, Ichiji Ishii, has offered to act as Fischer's guarantor if he is released while his appeal continues.

Temporary immigration detention can last up to 60 days, immigration officials have said.