Ozawa could still end up facing charges

TOKYO: Critics of Ichiro Ozawa, a key figure in Japan's ruling Democratic Party, say they will press on with efforts to have him charged in a funding scandal, casting new doubts on the party's chances in an election later this year.

Tokyo prosecutors decided not to charge party Secretary-General Ozawa because of lack of evidence, but a judicial panel can review the decision if asked to do so. The panel has the power to force a prosecution.

Citizens Group for Seeking the Truth, the group that made the initial complaint about misreporting of Ozawa's political funds, said in a report on the Asahi newspaper's Internet site on Friday that it was planning to request a review.