Tokyo
Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has expressed regret over inaccurate statements he made about a scandal tied to his office, but claimed he was unaware of any wrongdoing. Prosecutors declined to charge the ex-premier. The apology came after the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office indicted Abe’s longtime aide for not disclosing fees and payments for dinner receptions held for the ex-prime minister’s supporters between 2016 and 2019. Under Japanese law, politicians are prohibited from giving gifts to constituents. Speaking before a parliamentary committee on Thursday, Abe said that he felt “morally responsible” for the scandal, even while claiming that the potentially criminal activity happened without his knowledge. “I reflect on this deeply and apologize from my heart to the citizens and to all lawmakers,” he said. —TLTP
