Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ex-PM Abe assassinated

Ex-PM Abe assassinated

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the victim of a fatal gun attack while taking part in a campaign for the House of Councillors election in Nara city on July 8. AFP

Ex-PM Abe assassinated

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the victim of a fatal gun attack while taking part in a campaign for the House of Councillors election in Nara city on July 8.

After being shot at around 11:30 (0230 GMT), he went into cardiopulmonary arrest, according to firefighters. He was transported by ambulance and medical helicopter to Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara, Nara prefecture.

According to police sources, Abe, 67, was shot from behind in the upper back area, with what is thought to be a shotgun. Two shots were heard, according to witnesses.

Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, of Nara city, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder at 11:32am. Yamagami is believed to have shot Abe at close range and a gun has been recovered, according to a police officer.

“I had no grudge against former Prime Minister Abe for his political beliefs,” Yamagami was quoted as telling the police during questioning, according to Nara prefectural police sources.

Yamagami, whose current occupation is unknown, is said to have served as a Maritime Self-Defense Force member until 2005, according to a government source. The defence ministry is gathering information about the man.

A Yomiuri Shimbun reporter was also at the scene covering the upper house election campaign. Abe, a former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, arrived at the stump speech venue in front of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in the city at about 11:20am to give a speech to support an LDP candidate.

Shortly after Abe took hold of a microphone to introduce the candidate while surrounded by the crowd, Yamagami approached him from behind, holding a gun-like object. Loud sounds were heard immediately afterward, and Abe collapsed at the scene, according to witnesses.

The scene became chaotic as people screamed and called for an ambulance and medical personnel.

An ambulance arrived about 15 minutes later, and Abe was transported to a hospital.

THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN (JAPAN)

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.