After Abe assassination: Japan is examining protection for politicians

Assassination attempts like those on ex-Prime Minister Abe are almost unknown in Japan. Did that create a false sense of security? While the country mourns, the protection concepts of celebrities are now being reviewed.

After the fatal attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, security measures for celebrities are under scrutiny. According to media reports, the police are dealing with possible deficiencies in the security protocol.

“I don’t think there are enough firearm precautions in Japan with its strict gun laws,” a personal security expert was quoted as saying by the Nikkei newspaper.

Assassination during campaign speech

During an election campaign speech in the city of Nara, the perpetrator approached Abe from behind to within a few meters on the street and then shot the politician twice from a short distance.

Japan is considered a safe country. Attacks with firearms are very rare because gun ownership is strictly regulated. There are often speeches and other campaign appearances by politicians at busy crossroads, in front of train stations or in front of large shops, and they are not shielded at great expense.

Connection with “religious group”?

There is still no reliable information about the motive of the confessed perpetrator. The 41-year-old is said to have originally targeted the leader of a religious group. He said that during the police questioning, reports the Japanese news agency Kyodo, citing investigators. He was “dissatisfied” with Abe and wanted to “kill” him, he was quoted as saying. He hates a “certain organization” with which Abe has connections.

In this context, connections of the perpetrator’s mother are also mentioned, who, according to the man, had donated a lot of money to a religious group. This has shattered family relationships, reports the public television broadcaster NHK.

Shortly after the attack in Nara, the police searched the 41-year-old’s apartment. Several homemade firearms were seized. The unemployed man served in the Navy for three years until 2005. There he had learned how to use handguns.

Body taken to Tokyo

In Nara, the people take great interest in the death of Abe. Flowers and small gifts were placed at the scene of the crime, and many mourners pray there. The body of the former prime minister has since been transferred to Tokyo. A vehicle with the coffin drove to the politician’s house.