Former Tepco execs recommended for prosecution

Three former Tokyo Electric officials are facing a new investigation over their role in the Fukushima nuclear accident of 2011.

A prosecutors committee today recommended the three former executives be indicted on charges of professional negligence for the meltdowns at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Last September, the Tokyo Public Prosecutors Office granted immunity to over 40 officials from negligence charges over the Fukushima accident.

That included former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and various Tepco officials.

A citizens' group in Fukushima was not satisfied with the decision and appealed to a prosecutors committee.

Members recommended indictment for former Tepco chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata and former vice presidents Sakae Muto and Ichiro Takekuro.

They recommended reconsidering whether or not to charge former Tepco executive Akio Komori.

The Tokyo Public Prosecutors Office will start a new investigation based on the committee’s recommendation.