Former prime minister Shinzo Abe apologised after prosecutors declined to indict him for illegal payments his office made involving dinner receptions for his supporters during Japan’s popular cherry blossom season.
When Mr Abe resigned in September, he cited ill health but critics have suggested the scandal might have been a reason.
His successor, Yoshihide Suga, scrapped the annual cherry blossom viewing party the day he took office, but his government has seen its public support plunge due to delayed coronavirus measures and a spate of scandals involving Mr Abe’s former ministers.
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office cited lack of evidence in deciding not to press charges against Mr Abe.
吉川元農相、500万円受領認める 聴取に「返すつもり」 :日本経済新聞
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安倍前首相公設第1秘書を略式起訴 安倍氏は不起訴 東京地検 | 桜を見る会
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「虚偽答弁、国民がばかにされた」 安倍前首相告発の弁護士 議員継続と検察に怒り
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