Shinzo Abe: Former Japan PM Assassinated

July 9, 2022

Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was snuffed on July 8, 2022, while he was campaigning for the upcoming elections in Japan.

Key Points

He was assassination in Nara city, in western Japan.
An ex-military man shot him twice with a homemade gun.
The 67-year-old leader got wounds on right side of the neck and left clavicle.
He showed no vital signs when he was rushed to the hospital.
His funeral is likely to held on July 12, after elections.
India is observing national mourning on July 9.

Who was Shinzo Abe?

Shinzo Abe was a Japanese politician. He served as Japanese prime minister and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) during 2006-2007, followed by second tenure during 2012-2020. He was the longest-serving Japanese prime minister in history. He also served as Chief Cabinet Secretary during 2005-2006 when Junichiro Koizumi was Prime Minister. In 2012, he was leader of the opposition.

Background

Shinzo Abe was born into a political family. In 1993 election, he was elected to the House of Representatives. He was confirmed to become the prime minister through a special session of National Diet. He became the youngest post-war prime minister of Japan. He was the first prime minister after World War II.

Resignation as prime minister

Shinzo Abe resigned as prime minister, for the second time, in August 2020 due to resurgence of ulcerative colitis. He formally offered his resignation on September 16 and Yoshihide Suga became his successor.

Shinzo Abe’s Assassination

Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022 in Nara City. He was shot dead by a former member of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). He used a homemade firearm, that was similar to double-barreled shotgun. Former PM was delivering a campaign speech, in support of fellow LDP party member Kei Sato. Since 1936, he was the 1st former Japanese Prime Minister to be snuffed.

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