China News Service, December 24. According to Kyodo News Agency of Japan, on the 24th, surrounding the "cherry blossom viewing" incident, the Special Search Department of the Tokyo District Prosecutor's Office decided not to prosecute former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
However, the Special Search Department stated that it has instituted a summary prosecution against Hiroyuki Peikawa, the first public secretary who is the representative of the Abe Support Association, for violating the Political Funds Regulation Act.
Data map: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The Japanese government has held a "cherry blossom viewing party" in Shinjuku Gyoen, the capital of Tokyo, since 1952, inviting representatives from all walks of life to enjoy the cherry blossoms with the prime minister, at the expense of the government.
During Abe's tenure as prime minister from 2013 to 2019, the Abe Support Association was responsible for hosting a dinner on the eve of the cherry blossom viewing party to entertain Abe supporters.
The total cost of these dinners exceeds 23 million yen, which is much higher than the fees paid by attendees.
The prosecutor’s investigation found that Abe was suspected of violating regulations to fill the gap, "subsidy" supporters in disguise, and destroy relevant evidence.
Prior to this, on December 21, 2020, the Special Search Department of the Tokyo District Prosecutors Office asked Abe about the situation.
According to relevant sources, Abe explained that he did not know about the filling fee.