Japan's judiciary sentenced Yamagami Tetsuya, who killed former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, to life in prison. It is the first decision to come about three years and six months after the 2022 shooting. Japanese media said the ruling sternly punished a grave crime that shook the foundation of democracy while partly reflecting in sentencing the defendant's unfortunate upbringing and issues related to a religious group.
On the 21st, according to NHK and Reuters, the Nara District Court panel sentenced Yamagami, who was indicted on charges including murder and violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law, to life in prison, the same term sought by prosecutors. The court said, "Killing a politician with a homemade gun during a campaign speech is absolutely unacceptable in a nation governed by the rule of law." However, on why it did not impose the death penalty, it added, "It is hard to ignore that the collapse of the family due to a religious group influenced the crime."
In July 2022, Yamagami approached former Prime Minister Abe during a campaign stop with a homemade gun and fired twice. He said immediately after his arrest that his mother made huge donations to the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, which destroyed the family. He explained that he believed Abe was a key figure in spreading the group in Japan and chose him as the target.
During the trial, the defense argued that Yamagami was a victim of religious abuse and sought a prison term of 20 years or less. The New York Times (NYT) reported that in court Yamagami said to Abe's bereaved family, "I deeply apologize for causing immense pain to the family who lost a husband." Abe's wife, Akie, said in a written statement, "The sense of loss from losing my husband will never disappear," and stressed that she hopes the defendant will face the crime head-on.
Experts said the ruling sent a complex message across Japanese society. The BBC said, "Within Japan, views that see Yamagami as a cold-blooded murderer and public opinion that sympathizes with his harsh circumstances are in a tight standoff."
Japan's political landscape changed dramatically after the incident. After Abe's death, Japan's political world went through upheaval, including revising laws to sever ties with religious groups. The largest faction within the Liberal Democratic Party dissolved after Abe's passing. The country then entered a new phase with the inauguration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Japanese media said that while the judicial process has wrapped up with this ruling, discussion is needed on preventing political terror and providing relief for victims of religious groups. The court sounded a social alarm, saying, "It is clear that assertions through violence cannot be justified for any reason."