Hyogo prefectural police have forwarded documents to prosecutors regarding the Hyogo gubernatorial election held last year. The investigation concerns potential violations of the Public Offices Election Law.
The papers submitted to prosecutors relate to Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito and the president of a public relations firm located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Despite this action, the Hyogo police have not made a formal announcement or provided a recommendation to prosecutors regarding potential indictments.
This development stems from a criminal complaint filed against Saito and the company president. The complaint alleges that Saito paid the PR firm approximately 700,000 yen for campaign-related services during the autumn election.
In February, the Kobe District Public Prosecutors Office and Hyogo prefectural police conducted a search of the public relations company merchu inc.'s offices, focusing on possible violations of the Public Offices Election Law. The prosecutors will now determine whether to indict Saito and the president of merchu.
On June 20, Saito addressed reporters, reiterating his position that no laws were broken during his gubernatorial campaign. The president of merchu has not made any public statements since the allegations were initially raised.
5 Comments
Noir Black
700,000 yen? Seems like a pretty blatant attempt to circumvent election rules. Disappointing if true.
Coccinella
The police aren't recommending an indictment, so it's probably nothing serious.
Loubianka
Let's wait for the facts before jumping to conclusions. Innocent until proven guilty!
Katchuka
The whole system is broken. No matter what they are going to give a very small penalty.
KittyKat
Campaign finance violations again? When will they learn? It's like they are not afraid of any penalty...