Ogawa came to Australia nine years ago. She has spent 6½ years in various courts.
In 2006 her thesis was published as a book, Protection of Broadcasters’ Rights. It carries a foreword by the former chief justice, Anthony Mason, saying: ‘‘This book is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the issues relating to the protection of broadcasters’ rights.’’
On May 19, 2006, Ogawa was arrested in Queensland on the ground that she no longer held a valid student’s visa. She was sent to Villawood detention centre, where for 10 weeks she was on ‘‘suicide watch’’.