Hundreds of Japan’s defence officials to be punished for negligent handling of classified data
The Japanese Defence Ministry announced disciplinary actions against more than 200 high-ranking officials and military personnel for negligent handling of classified materials and other misconduct, The Associated Press reports
The country’s department and the army have come under scrutiny over allegations that Navy personnel violated the law on the protection of confidential information, as well as illegally demanding allowances for special assignments. Employees of the ministries are accused of abuse of power.
Japan’s Defence Minister Minoru Kihara apologised, saying that the problems had ‘significantly undermined public confidence’ in the ministry and the Japanese defence forces. He said he was ‘well aware of his responsibility’ and blamed the violations on a lack of discipline throughout the organisation.
The official said that an investigation conducted by the ministry showed that 38 torpedo-boat destroyers and submarines improperly disposed of classified information; however, according to him, its leakage outside the armed forces did not lead to any damage. People who did not have the appropriate permits were regularly appointed to positions related to working with classified data.
