TOKYO (JAPAN) – While the ruling bloc is arranging to summon former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday for questioning at steering committees, he may also be summoned to parliament for questioning by lawmakers. Tokyo Prosecutors had been building a case against the 61-year-old over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,210).
Abe who had stepped down in September citing ill health was pulled up over a possible violation of election funding laws, several government and ruling party, says sources. He was questioned by parliament on suspicion that his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied. Earlier this week Abe had appeared for voluntary questioning about the issue and again denied his involvement.
The ruling bloc is also considering whether to put the sessions online to open them to the public, the sources added.
Tokyo prosecutors on Thursday handed a summary indictment against Abe’s secretary, Hiroyuki Haikawa, but had decided not to press charges against Abe, domestic media reported.