08-07-2025
Three years after ex-PM Abe's fatal shooting
Three years have passed since former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was fatally shot while delivering a campaign speech in Nara City, western Japan.
Many people visited the site near Yamato-Saidaiji Station on Tuesday to offer flowers and prayers.
A moment of silence was observed at 11:31 a.m., the time Abe was shot.
A man in his 60s from Nara City said he believes Abe wanted to carry out many more tasks, and it's truly regrettable that he died.
A 44-year-old unemployed man, Yamagami Tetsuya, has been indicted in the case on charges including murder and illegal possession of weapons.
Sources say Yamagami told investigators that he held a grudge against the religious group formerly known as the Unification Church, as his mother had donated considerable sums of money to the organization. He reportedly believed Abe had close ties to the group.
The Nara District Court says seven pretrial procedures have taken place so far to organize key issues, with the first hearing scheduled for October 28.
Sources say Yamagami is not planning to contest the murder charge. They say the trial is expected to focus on the severity of sentencing, in light of the defendant's circumstances.
Adjustments are said to be underway for a ruling to be handed down around January next year.
