Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo shot
Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo fell into a coma shortly after being shot while giving a speech in the city of Nara.
Several major Japanese news agencies reported that former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was shot in the chest while giving a speech in Nara city (western Japan) on July 8. Mr. Abe is currently hospitalized.
Kyodo news agency reported on July 8 that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe fell into a coma immediately after being shot. According to NHK television channel, Mr. Abe appeared to have suffered chest bleeding after the incident.
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| Authorities provide first aid to former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo after he was shot in the chest (Photo: Reuters) |
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots. A male suspect was arrested at the scene.
Mr. Abe Shinzo was born on July 21, 1954 and has served four terms as Prime Minister of Japan. He is considered the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history.
He was also President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2012 to 2020 and previously from 2006 to 2007.
Mr. Abe is world-famous for his government's economic policies, often called Abenomics. He advocates monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and economic structural reform.
The shooting occurred as Mr Abe was giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara ahead of Japan's Upper House elections, scheduled for later in the week.