Originally written by:TOMOKO OTAKE
Link to the article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/21/japan/crime-legal/abe-assassin-trial-ruling/
In a landmark ruling that has drawn global attention, a Japanese court has sentenced the man responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to life imprisonment. The verdict brings legal closure to one of the most shocking political crimes in modern Japanese history.
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, was fatally shot in July 2022 while delivering a campaign speech in Nara. The attack stunned the nation and the world, as Japan is widely known for its strict gun control laws and low rates of violent crime.
The accused admitted to carrying out the attack using a homemade firearm. During the trial, he claimed that his actions were driven by personal grievances linked to a religious organization he believed Abe supported. Prosecutors argued that the killing was a deliberate and carefully planned act that targeted not only an individual but also the foundations of Japan’s democratic process.
The court agreed with the prosecution, emphasizing the severe social impact of the crime. In its judgment, the court stated that the assassination caused immense shock, fear, and grief across the country and undermined public trust in political safety. The life sentence reflects the gravity of the offense and the irreversible loss caused by the act.
Abe’s death prompted Japan to review security measures for political figures and reignited discussions around public safety at political events. Tributes poured in from world leaders, recognizing Abe’s influence on Japan’s domestic policies and his role in strengthening international relations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
With the sentencing now complete, attention is shifting toward healing and remembrance. For many in Japan, the verdict serves as a moment of justice, while also standing as a solemn reminder of the need to protect democratic values and public discourse from violence.
