Around 660 lawyers and legal scholars filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors Thursday against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and two of his aides, claiming Abe's office shouldered part of his supporters' expenses for a dinner party in 2018.
They claim Abe and the aides violated the election law by partially funding the party for supporters held at a Tokyo hotel on the eve of a publicly funded annual cherry blossom-viewing party in April 2018. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office will examine whether to formally receive the complaint.
"It is assumed that the prime minister intended to strengthen his support base by having his supporters enjoy the cherry blossom party and the pre-event without feeling a financial burden," the complaint said.