Japan ex-PM Shinzo Abe’s killer Tetsuya Yamagami sentenced to life in prison

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseJanuary 21, 2026 at 05:46 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Tetsuya Yamagami, the gunman who assassinated former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday in Nara, Japan. The court found Yamagami guilty of murder and firearms violations for using a homemade gun in the July 2022 killing. Judge Shinichi Tanaka described the act as "despicable and extremely malicious," emphasizing Yamagami's determination and the element of surprise. The assassination, which occurred during a campaign speech, prompted national reflection on gun violence and scrutiny of ties between politicians and the Unification Church, which Yamagami reportedly targeted due to grievances against the organization. The trial drew significant public interest, evidenced by long queues for courtroom access.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Shinichi Tanaka 40% Nara 50% Unification Church 60% Japan ×285% Tetsuya Yamagami ×390% Shinzo Abe ×395%

Keywords

assassination 90% life in prison 80% gun violence 70% murder 70% unification church 60% firearms control 60% handmade gun 50% trial 50% political violence 40%