Former Oguni town construction chief denies bribery charges in Kumamoto

A former construction chief in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, denied bribery charges at his trial. He is accused of repeatedly accepting meals and accommodations from companies involved in public works bids. The prosecution alleges the defendant knew the benefits were offered as thanks for selecting nine local companies for competitive bidding on civil engineering projects. He allegedly received over 440,000 yen in meals and 70,000 yen in lodging. The trial began on March 3rd at the Kumamoto District Court. The defense argued the defendant did not believe the benefits constituted bribery and requested an acquittal.