The betting Mahjong problem Former prosecutor “Trust in the prosecution was greatly damaged” May 21, 18:54

Former Tokyo District Public Prosecutor Special Attorney Attorney Yasuyuki Takai said that he submitted a resignation due to the problem of prosecutor Kurokawa's betting Mahjong, `` The new coronavirus suppressed the whole population, and the bill concerning the extension of his own retirement was deliberated It was extremely disappointing as one of the people as the prosecution's OB to do mahjong, which can be said to be the 3rd most extreme in such a situation.This act greatly damages the public's trust in the prosecution organization and the prosecutor. I have to say that it was the second shock after the evidence alteration case of the Osaka District Public Prosecutor's Office. "

Regarding the image of Attorney General Kurokawa, "The reason why Mr. Kurokawa is said to be close to the official residence is that he started in the administrative world for a long time. I think it is a valuable factor because it was handed down by us. "

He added, "It is very disappointing that the prosecution has to lose valuable human resources in this way."

In addition, regarding whether or not betting Mahjong is a criminal gambling offense, "generally speaking, it is said that gambling offense cannot be established simply by betting on drinks or foods that are consumed on the spot. It is understood in the case that a criminal gambling offense will be established if you make a bet, but when you actually make a case, the amount of money will be the standard. "

In addition, “The prosecution should conduct a rigorous and impartial investigation and investigation to clarify the facts and consider the disposition in accordance with the existing standards. A detailed explanation will be given to the public to convince any conclusion. It is extremely important for the prosecution to restore trust. ”

A series of criticisms from inside the prosecution

There have been criticisms from inside the prosecutor's office regarding the submission of the resignation by the prosecutor General Kurokawa for betting Mahjong.

One of the prosecutor's officials said, "Anyway, I'm surprised. I'm reluctant to resign. It's natural to resign. Prosecutors exercising punishment are required to be more noble than other civil servants, let alone prosecutors. From the standpoint of commanding, if the news is true, it's too rash of excuse to lose excuse for the public's prosecution. "

In addition, one of the mid-level prosecutors said, "The prosecutors of my front line colleagues are all shocked. While the declaration of an emergency calls for refraining from going out to the scene, the top of the high-inspection police walks outside and puts a bet Mahjong. I am worried that if I was playing betting mahjong that touches the criminal law, it would affect the scene of the investigation. What is the explanation from the organization about the prosecutor's extension of retirement age and the revision of the prosecution office law? Without it, morale just drops. "

In addition, another executive said, "This is a problem that occurred while the public's doubts and dissatisfaction increased through extension of retirement age due to changes in legal interpretation and deliberation of the prosecution office law amendment proposal, and it should not be set as a scandal of the prosecutor's individual As a human resource that cannot be replaced, the prosecution's organization will not have the reason why the Kurokawa prosecutor specializes and extends his retirement age unless the cabinet of the appointed authority fulfills his accountability. "

Former Prosecutor General “Regaining Trust in the Spirit of Strict, Fair and Unbiased Party”

Kunihiro Matsuo, a former prosecutor-general who submitted a statement of opposition to the Prosecutor's Office law amendment to the Ministry of Justice on January 15, said, "I was very surprised by the report in the weekly magazine. What should I do about the amendment to the Public Prosecution Office law during the period of the emergency declaration? In the meantime, I'm sorry if I was playing Mahjong until midnight, and I have no choice but to resign. "

In addition, he said, "I would like incumbent prosecutors to strive to restore trust in the spirit of prosecution, which is also the principle of prosecution, in the future".

Regarding the proposed amendment to the Public Prosecutor's Law that was postponed in the current Diet, he said, "In addition to Mr. Kurokawa's problem, I would like to see the exercise of prosecution's right not be influenced by the intention of the administration."