In a landmark decision, a Japanese district court has ordered the disclosure of records related to the 2020 extension of a high-ranking prosecutor’s retirement age, a move that was seen as benefiting then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his aides.
The lawsuit, filed by Professor Hiroshi Kamiwaki in January 2022, sought information on discussions within the Justice Ministry regarding Hiromu Kurokawa, the prosecutor in question. The government’s decision to extend Kurokawa’s retirement age sparked controversy and speculation about political interference in the judiciary.
The court ruling deemed most of the government’s refusal to disclose documents as illegal, suggesting that the change in retirement age laws was specifically aimed at benefiting Kurokawa. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has pledged to review the ruling and take appropriate action.
Kurokawa, despite having his retirement age extended, resigned in May 2020 following a scandal involving gambling with news reporters. He was fined for the offense.
This ruling highlights the complexities of political influence in the judiciary and raises questions about transparency and accountability in government decisions.
Source: © KYODO