Translation guide
The English phrase "wholesale arrest" refers to the large-scale, indiscriminate arrest of many people at once, often without individual warrants or specific charges. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific legal and journalistic terms, as well as descriptive phrases.
To describe the act of arresting many people at once, typically by authorities, often in a sweeping or indiscriminate manner.
To highlight that arrests are made without proper cause or individual warrants, often in a repressive context.
Literally 'indiscriminate arrest'. Strongly implies arrests without distinguishing guilt or innocence. Common in criticism of police states.
軍事政権下では無差別逮捕が横行した。
Under the military regime, wholesale arrests were rampant.
一斉検挙 implies a planned, simultaneous operation, often against a specific group. 大量逮捕 simply notes the large number. 無差別逮捕 carries a negative connotation of arbitrariness and lack of due process.
一斉検挙は計画的だったが、無差別逮捕は違法だ。
The coordinated roundup was planned, but indiscriminate arrests are illegal.
Do not translate 'wholesale' as 卸売り (oroshiuri) in this context; it means 'large-scale' or 'indiscriminate', not 'selling in bulk'.
The most common and direct term for a coordinated mass arrest operation by police. Often used in news reports.
警察は暴力団の一斉検挙を行った。
The police conducted a wholesale arrest of gang members.
Literally 'large-quantity arrest'. Emphasizes the large number of people arrested, but may not imply coordination.
デモの参加者が大量逮捕された。
Protest participants were arrested wholesale.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'to arrest indiscriminately' or 'arrest anyone and everyone'. Conveys the lack of selectivity.
当局は手当たり次第に逮捕した。
The authorities made wholesale arrests, grabbing anyone they could.
Means 'to arrest without distinction' or 'without regard to circumstances'. More colloquial than 無差別逮捕.
彼らは見境なく逮捕された。
They were arrested wholesale, without any consideration.