Japanese Party Honcho Indicted

Divisive decision could push Japan toward new election
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 31, 2011 11:26 AM CST
Democratic Party of Japan's Ichiro Ozawa Indicted
In this photo taken on on Jan. 24, 2011, Democratic Party of Japan's Ichiro Ozawa takes part in the plenary session of the Lower House in Tokyo.   (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

The man behind the Japanese ruling party’s historic 2009 victory has been indicted for misreporting political funds. The move could expand divisions among members of the Democratic Party of Japan and help drive the opposition’s push for a new election, the New York Times reports. Ichiro Ozawa may face a trial; the prime minister has suggested an indictment should prompt Ozawa’s resignation. So far, Ozawa—who resigned as party head two years ago after a similar funding scandal, dashing his chances of becoming prime minister—has said he'll fight any charges.
(More Japan stories.)

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