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Trial Opens for Shinzo Abe’s Alleged Assassin
Today marks the start of the high-profile trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of murdering former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The July 2022 assassination shocked the world, ending the life of Japan’s longest-serving leader and triggering political upheaval.
The Day That Shook Japan
On July 8, 2022, Abe was fatally shot while campaigning in Nara. Yamagami, then 42, allegedly fired a homemade gun from close range, bypassing security. Videos showed chaos as Abe collapsed, later dying from chest and neck wounds.
Yamagami—a former navy member with no criminal record—was arrested immediately. Investigators say he targeted Abe over ties to the Unification Church, a group he blamed for his family’s bankruptcy due to excessive donations. The revelation sparked scrutiny of the church’s influence on Japan’s ruling party.
Key Questions for the Trial
- Premeditation vs. Mental State: Prosecutors will argue Yamagami planned the attack for months, citing his weapon-making and stalking of Abe’s events. The defense may highlight his psychological distress from family trauma.
- Security Failures: How did Yamagami evade Abe’s security detail? The trial may expose protocol gaps that led to reforms.
Political and Social Fallout
Abe’s death forced PM Fumio Kishida to purge cabinet members linked to the Unification Church, amid public fury over political-religious ties. The case also reignited debates on Japan’s death penalty, which prosecutors could seek.
What Comes Next
The months-long trial will feature testimony from experts, police, and possibly church representatives. Outcomes could shape Japan’s stance on political security, religious interference, and justice for high-profile crimes.
Follow live updates on this landmark case as it unfolds.
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