Japanese PM Takaichi denies smear campaign allegations against rivals
Kyodo News
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday denied reports that her faction used anonymous accounts to spread online videos smearing rivals during last year's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race and the February general election. Takaichi called the allegations baseless and urged transparent verification of the sources. The controversy comes amid stricter regulations on political social media advertising in Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday dismissed reports that her faction had disseminated online videos through anonymous accounts to smear rivals during last year's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election and the subsequent general election in February.
Speaking at a press conference, Takaichi asserted that her faction had engaged in no such conduct and characterized the allegations as baseless and lacking credible evidence.
Earlier, several Japanese media outlets reported that anonymous social media accounts had posted negative content targeting Takaichi's political opponents, including those in the LDP leadership contest. However, the Prime Minister insisted she had no knowledge of these activities and called for transparent measures to verify the sources of the information.
The case has drawn significant public attention, especially as Japan tightens regulations on political advertising on social media. Analysts suggest that if the allegations are substantiated, they could tarnish the ruling party's reputation and that of Prime Minister Takaichi herself.
No further comments from Takaichi's political rivals on this matter have been made as of yet.
