Ex-Japanese lawmaker to begin jail term

TOKYO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Muneo Suzuki, an ex-Japanese lawmaker convicted of bribery and other crimes, appeared at prosecutors' offices Monday for processing before starting a jail term.

Suzuki, 62, is to serve 17 months behind bars less the time he was incarcerated during the investigation and litigation of his case, Kyodo News reported.

Suzuki, the leader of the New Party Daichi, lost his seat in the Diet when his conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court in September.

The start of his prison term was delayed while he had surgery and other treatment for esophageal cancer in October.