Japanese opposition aide arrested over donations

The Associated Press
Published: March 3, 2009

TOKYO: Japanese prosecutors raided the office Tuesday of opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa, a leading candidate to become the next prime minister, and arrested his top aide on suspicion of accepting dubious donations.

Prosecutors in suits were shown marching into the Democratic Party of Japan leader's office in Tokyo during a nationally televised raid. The prosecutors office said Takanori Okubo, Ozawa's senior aide, was arrested on suspicion of violating regulations on political contributions.

Tokyo prosecutors allege that Ozawa's political funding organization Rikuzankai received 21 million yen ($216,000) in illegal donations between 2003-07 from two company executives at Nishimatsu Construction Co. Ltd. The two executives were also arrested Tuesday.

Democratic Party legislator Yukio Hatoyama defended the party's leader. "Mr. Ozawa has said there are no legal problems. We suspect a conspiracy, and we will fight it," he told NTV television.

Many political analysts expect unpopular Prime Minister Taro Aso and his long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party to lose the next general election, which must take place by Sept. 10. Ozawa has received more support than Aso in recent voter polls.

The Liberal Democratic Party has ruled Japan for most of the past 50 years.

It was unclear what effect the raid and arrests would have on the Democratic Party's electoral chances.

Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Sophia University in Tokyo, said the case may lead to Ozawa's resignation. "The arrest of his top aide is serious, and it would be difficult for him to stay as party leader and steer the upcoming elections," he said.

The government said the opposition party needs to explain the situation.

"The people are closely watching this," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura. "We demand an explanation."

If convicted, Okubo, who is also accused of faking reports on political funding, could receive up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen.

The construction officials face up to three years in prison or fines of up to 500,000 yen for violating laws that ban company donations to political groups.