Justice Minister To Stay In Post After Gaffe


Justice minister to stay in post after gaffe

Japanese Justice Minister Masako Mori has apologized for controversial remarks she made during Monday's Diet session, and says she wants to continue in her post.

Mori said that prosecutors fled Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture before the public when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck on March 11, 2011.

Mori's remarks drew sharp criticism from the opposition parties and led to the postponement of Thursday's budget committee meeting. Mori was also reprimanded by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Mori told reporters on Friday that her comments were extremely inappropriate, as she oversees the Public Prosecutors Office. She said she sincerely regrets her remarks and wants to withdraw them.

Mori added that she will respond to questions in the Diet in a sincere and careful manner from now on to fulfill her duties as justice minister.