Prosecutors on Wednesday sought a 2-1/2-year prison term for the former chairman of business apparel chain operator Aoki Holdings Inc. in a bribery case connected to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
In the closing argument at the Tokyo District Court, the prosecution said Hironori Aoki, 84, "used the Games for personal greed, eroding confidence domestically and abroad in the Games' operations," adding the "extreme seriousness" of his actions warrants a prison term of 2-1/2 years.
The prosecution also asked for 1-1/2 years in prison for Takahisa Aoki, 77, the company's former vice chairman, and one year for Katsuhisa Ueda, 41, a former senior managing director.
All three pleaded guilty to the bribery charges in December.
The defense argued for giving the trio suspended sentences.
The court is scheduled to issue its ruling on April 21.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
