Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s killer sentenced to life in prison

A court has sentenced the killer of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to life in prison. The verdict comes three and a half years after the former leader was shot dead at a rally in the city of Nara in 2022. The BBC reported on Wednesday (21 January) that Tetsuya Yamagami pleaded guilty at the start of his trial last year, but there is disagreement in Japan about what his punishment should be.
While many see the 45-year-old as a brutal killer, some have also looked with sympathy on his troubled personal life. Meanwhile, prosecutors say Yamagami deserves a life sentence for his serious actions. Because Abe’s murder has sparked widespread debate among the people of the country.
On the other hand, Yamagami’s legal team, seeking humility, has said that he is a victim of “religious persecution”. It is understood that his mother’s devotion to the Unification Church bankrupted the family and Yamagami expressed anger at Abe after learning of the former leader’s links to the controversial church.
Around 700 people lined up outside the Nara District Court to attend the sentencing hearing today. Abe’s tragic death while giving a speech in broad daylight has sparked an investigation into the Unification Church and its dubious practices, including its solicitation of financially ruinous donations from followers.
Source: BBC