Japan ex-PM Abe faces lawmakers on scandal but avoids prosecution

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TOKYO — Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe apologized to lawmakers on Friday over a scandal involving payments for supporters, a day after prosecutors said they would not indict him in the case.

The country’s longest-serving prime minister has denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged that he had made statements to parliament that were subsequently shown to be false.

“It turned out that I gave explanations that are contrary to the facts,” Abe said at the lower house.

“Even though I was not aware of it, I feel a moral responsibility. I deeply regret this and apologize to my fellow lawmakers,” he added.

The case revolves around dinners organized on the eve of governmen…

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