TOKYO (JAPAN) – Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was questioned by parliament over the allegation that his office may have violated Japan’s political funding laws, has apologised on Thursday for denying allegations.
Although Abe had appeared for voluntary questioning by the prosecution on Monday about the issue, he denied his involvement.
“I can’t help but explain the facts and correct my statements to the parliament,” he said. “I am taking seriously my political responsibility for causing this situation,” he told reporters.
“Although accounting was handled without my knowledge, I feel moral responsibility. I am deeply reflecting on myself, and I apologize to the people,” said Abe.
While Tokyo prosecutors on Thursday handed a summary indictment against Abe’s secretary, Hiroyuki Haikawa, they decided not to press charges against Abe.
Prosecutors had been building a case against the 61-year-old over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,210).
The scandal risks hurting current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was Abe’s right-hand man during his 2012-2020 tenure and defended him in parliament.
