Japan prosecutor steps down after violating lockdown

TOKYO: A top prosecutor who defied Japan’s coronavirus lockdown to gamble on a mahjong game with journalists announced his resignation on Thursday.

PM Shinzo Abe has waged a long and damaging political battle over efforts to keep Hiromu Kurokawa, seen as close to the premier, in office after normal retirement age. But the 63-yearold decided to step down after a magazine revealed he had played mahjong for money recently with three journalists - violating the country’s lockdown measures and laws against gambling.

Justice minister Masako Mori announced the decision after meeting with Abe, describing Kurokawa’s behaviour as “extremely inappropriate”. She said the prosecutor submitted a letter of resignation and the government was expected to approve his depature on Friday.