Former Japan PM Abe questioned on Monday by prosecutors

Gulf Today Report

Prosecutors have questioned former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over allegations on Monday in a case against his secretary over unreported political funds, public broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing unidentified sources.

Prosecutors have been raising a case against his political group illegally covered part of the cost of dinner receptions for supporters, sources close to the matter said.

Abe’s office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile. File photo

Domestic media reported this month that a case against Abe’s secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked Abe to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue.

The development could weaken Abe's political clout and deal a blow to his successor Yoshihide Suga, who served as chief Cabinet secretary under Abe and defended the then leader over the scandal during news conferences and in parliament.

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Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations. Abe’s office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile.

The issue also risks hurting current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was Abe’s right-hand man during his 2012-2020 tenure and defended him in parliament.

Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Reuters