Lawmakers accuse Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of false testimony

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is being questioned in Parliament about a cronyism scandal after opposition lawmakers alleged he testified falsely a day earlier when he denied using his influence to help a friend

Shinzo Abe answers questions in the Upper House at parliament in Tokyo on Tuesday. Pic/AFP

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is being questioned in Parliament about a cronyism scandal after opposition lawmakers alleged he testified falsely a day earlier when he denied using his influence to help a friend.

Parliament has heard allegations from staffers and gathered documents that show Abe's office intervened to help Kotaro Kake open a new veterinary school in western Japan. Parliament is continuing to question Abe about his personal role today.

He yesterday denied using his influence and said he learned of his friend's plans only after Kake formally applied in January. Opposition lawmakers say it's unthinkable Abe was unaware of a years-old plan that other officials knew.

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