KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – The shocking assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday in one of the safest countries in the world has stunned and condemned leaders, with Iran calling it an “act of terrorism” while Spain called the “cowardly attack.” “ criticized.
Abe, 67, was shot in the back while delivering a campaign speech in Nara, western Japan. He was airlifted to a hospital but was not breathing and his heart stopped. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Abe was Japan’s longest-serving head of state before resigning in 2020 due to ill health.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, hastily returning to Tokyo from campaign rallies across the country, called the shooting “insidious and barbaric”.
Leaders from Turkey to Singapore condemned the attack, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the shooting “despicable”.
“Many will remember his global leadership in times unknown. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time,” Johnson tweeted.
Iran condemned the shooting as an “act of terrorism”.
“As a country that has fallen victim to terrorism and has lost great leaders to terrorists, we are following the news closely and with concern,” said the spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry.
People in Japan could be seen reading special editions of the Friday newspaper with Abe’s picture large on the front page, or stopping to watch the news on TV.
Public broadcaster NHK aired dramatic footage of Abe speaking outside a train station in the western city of Nara. He is standing in a navy blue suit and raises his fist as two gunshots are heard. Footage then shows Abe collapsing in the street.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of the violent attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” the White House said in a statement shortly thereafter.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern previously expressed her shock at the shooting. She said Abe was one of the first leaders she met after taking office, and described him as deeply committed to his role, generous and kind.
“I remember when I met him he asked about the recent loss of our pet, a small gesture but one that speaks to the kind of person he is,” Ardern said. “Events like this shake us all to the core.”
In the NHK video, security guards can be seen jumping onto a man in a gray shirt who is lying face down on the sidewalk. A double-barreled device that looked like a hand-made weapon can be seen on the ground.
Police arrested a suspected shooter at the scene. Under Japanese law, possession of firearms and certain types of knives and other weapons, such as B. Bowguns, illegal without a special license. Importing them is also illegal.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that he was “deeply shocked by the heinous attack” on Abe. He hailed Abe as “a great prime minister” and said, “France stands with the Japanese people.”
Many offered their condolences and expressed their solidarity with Japan, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Saturday as a one-day national mourning as a mark of the deepest respect for Abe.
“Mr. Abe made an immense contribution in elevating Indo-Japan relations to the level of a special strategic and global partnership. Today, all of India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters at this difficult moment,” said modes.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez conveyed his best wishes to Abe’s family. “Spain stands with the people of Japan in these difficult times,” he tweeted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends and a “giant on the world stage”. He will be greatly missed.”
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi expressed his deep condolences and said Italy embraces Abe’s family, the government and the Japanese people.
“Italy is dismayed by the horrific attack on Japan and its free, democratic debate. Abe has been a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades thanks to his innovative spirit and reformist vision,” Draghi said in a statement.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who is in Bali as president of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting in Bali, Indonesia, lamented Abe’s “untimely passing” and said he “will always be remembered as a prime example for everyone”.
In China, however, the shooting of Abe sparked negative comments from tens of thousands of nationalist citizens on social media.
Some quipped, “I hope he’s not well,” while dozens half-jokingly called the shooter “a hero” or “anti-Japan hero.” Others said Abe’s injuries were a comfort to the souls of those who died in Japan’s invasion of China during World War II.
While not necessarily the view of most Chinese, the posts reflect strong public sentiment – emboldened by government propaganda – against right-wing Japanese politicians who question or deny that the military has committed atrocities in China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declined to comment. He said China expressed its condolences to Abe’s family and that the shooting should not be linked to bilateral relations.