Shinzo Abe, the former PM of Japan was accused of violating the country’s strict political funding laws back in 2020. He apologized for his words regarding unreported political funds.  It involved as much as 30 million yen ($289,807) reported RepublicWorld.

Abe made correction statements in parliament over the issue in December 2020. “I deeply regret and apologize to the people,” said Abe at a news conference. 

Also Read: Japan ex-leader Abe reportedly shot during campaign speech

The impropriety over the gathering at a Tokyo hotel before an annual cherry blossom viewing party lingered over the tenure of current leader Yoshihide Guga.

be stated that he had no knowledge of illegal accounting and apologized for his remarks in the parliament. 

The scandal started when Abe’s opposition legislators raised the query about a dinner party which happened in 2018. Abe’s guest paid approximately a 5,000 yen ($48) fee reported The Diplomat. The opposition claimed it to be too low for a party at an upscale Tokyo hotel. 

Also Read: Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe shot, shows ‘no vital signs’

Abe’s secretary was fined 1 million yen ($9,659) by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor’s Office over the scandal reported The Diplomat. Haikawa, Abe’s secretary failed to report that 11.6 million yen ($111,600) collected from the party guests.

He also failed to justify an 18.7 million yen payment that was made to the hotel. Due to the lack of evidence, the prosecutors did not press charges against Abe. 

Also Read: Officials arrest man for attempted murder after former Japan PM shot: Report

The decision of the prosecutor was opposed by Japanese people on Twitter. It was tending with the hashtag, “I protest the decision not to indict Shinzo Abe”. According to The Diplomat reports, Abe was also accused by the opposition legislators for delivering false statements about the issue in the parliament for 118 time .

Shinzo Abe resigned as PM in September 2020 after serving for nearly eight years. The scandal threatens to damage his successor, Yoshihide Suga. Suga has also been beset by other controversies which resulted in his support rating decline. He also apologized for making inaccurate statements. 

As a response to the opposition legislators, Abe struggled to explain why he was able to file a detailed update of the funding report even though he said his office does not have the underlying receipts for the parties. 

Also Read: Shinzo Abe net worth: How did the former Japan PM get rich?

Abe was short on Friday, July 8. He was delivering an election campaign speech ahead of Sunday’s election for the parliament’s upper house.