April 28, 2010
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The leadership of Japan's main governing Democratic Party says it will support party Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa's decision to remain in his post despite a judicial panel's ruling that he should be indicted.
A prosecution inquest panel in Tokyo said on Tuesday that Ozawa should be charged for his suspected involvement in the falsification of reports by his political fund management group. The case will now be reinvestigated by prosecutors.
Ozawa told reporters that he was surprised by the panel's decision and that he believes prosecutors will make an appropriate judgment in the end. He says he has nothing to be ashamed of.Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama says he can not comment on the matter because what he says could affect prosecutors' decisions.
Some Democratic Party members have suggested that Ozawa should explain himself more clearly. Former lower house deputy speaker Kozo Watanabe said politicians must deal with moral as well as legal responsibilities.
Party executives are calling for unity ahead of the Upper House elections this summer.
2010/04/28 10:14(JST)
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