Hyogo Gov., ex-deputy likely directed whistleblower's personal info be leaked: panel - 毎日新聞
KOBE -- Officials including Hyogo Gov. Motohiko Saito highly likely ordered a leak of personal information on a whistleblower who accused him of power harassment, a third-party committee concluded May 27.
The Hyogo Prefectural Government's third-party panel the same day released the results of an investigation which found that Chiaki Inomoto, former head of the prefectural government's general affairs department, leaked information on the late former director of the Hyogo Prefectural Government's Nishiharima District Administration Office, who accused Saito of misconduct, to three prefectural assembly members. It concluded, "There is a high possibility that the leak was directed by the governor and former Deputy Gov. Yasutaka Katayama."
Inomoto was punished with a three-month suspension as of May 27 for disclosing confidential information obtained through his official duties.
That same day, Saito offered a renewed apology over the leak, and stated "I feel responsible as the head of the organization. I will now consider specific disciplinary measures against myself, including the possibility of a pay cut." Regarding the third-party committee's conclusion that he was likely involved in directing the leak, he stated, "My understanding remains unchanged that I did not instruct the leak."
According to the committee's report, it was discovered in March 2024 that the former bureau chief's private information was saved on his work computer. Inomoto was appointed general affairs...
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