Japanese opposition leader refused to resign because of scandal.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan Itiro Odzava (Ichiro Ozawa) has refused to resign because of the scandal caused by the arrest of his closest aides, who is suspected of involvement in illegal party financing. That was reported by Associated Press.
According to Odzava, his assistant did not violate the law, and the arrest was politically motivated and designed to reduce the chances of the party in the upcoming September elections for the lower house of parliament. "I do not what to accuse," - said Odzava. According to the poll, the Democratic Party can win the forthcoming elections, thus Odzava replace the current prime minister, Taro Aso, whose popularity is falling.
Assistant Leader of the Democratic Party Takanori Okubo (Takanori Okubo) was arrested on March 3. He is the chief accountant of Rikuzankai, which collects donations for political activities. This organization, according to the agency suspected that the 2003-2007 years illegally received 21 million yen (216 thousand dollars) from the construction company Nishimatsu Construction Co. Ltd. Two members of the management of the company were also arrested on March 3.