Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe dies after shooting

Nara: Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, died on Friday hours after being  shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election, shocking a country in which political violence is rare and guns are tightly controlled.

A man opened fire on Abe, 67, from behind with an apparently homemade gun as he spoke at a drab traffic island in the western city of Nara, Japanese media reported.

It was the first assassination of a sitting or former Japanese premier since the days of prewar militarism in the 1930s.

The hospital that tried to save him said he died at 5:03 pm (0803 GMT), about five and a half hours after he was shot. A doctor said Abe had bled to death from two deep wounds, one on the right side of his neck. He had no vital signs when he was brought in. 

Japan gun laws

Civilians cannot buy a handgun or a rifle as only air guns are allowed, that too for a specific purpose. Other than the police and military, nobody can keep arms.

In order to buy a gun, any individual must achieve 95% accuracy in a shooting test along with a requirement of clearing a written test and go through a mental health assessment at a hospital.

Only after all clearances can a gun license be given. Strict background checks are done before a civilian is allowed to possess a weapon. This includes speaking to family, friends and relatives of the applicant.

The license to possess a weapon is valid only for three years and after the demise of a gun owner, the arm needs to be surrendered.

Even police officials, who are not on duty, cannot carry a firearm. Japan's low crime rate is attributed to the country's strict gun laws.

"Shocking, sad": PM Shehbaz reacts to shooting of Shinzo Abe

Hours before the news of Shinzo Abe’s sad and untimely demise, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed shock and anguish over Friday's shooting of Japan's former Premier and prayed for his quick recovery.

On his official Twitter handle, the premier wrote: “Deeply shocked to hear the sad news of an attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe”.

“Our thoughts are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” he added.

Deeply shocked to hear the sad news of an attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. We send our prayers & best wishes for his early recovery & good health. Our thoughts are with him, his family, and the people of Japan.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 8, 2022