Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia –
The shocking assassination of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday in one of the world’s safest countries stunned leaders and drew condemnation. Iran called it an “act of terrorism”, while Spain criticized the “cowardly attack”.
Abe, 67, was shot in the back in Nara, western Japan, while making a campaign speech. He was airlifted to a hospital, but he was not breathing and his heart had stopped. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Abe was the longest-serving leader in Japan before resigning in 2020 due to health reasons.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who hastened back to Tokyo from campaign events across the country, called the shooting “cowardly and barbaric.”
Leaders from Turkey to Singapore condemned the attack, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling the shooting “despicable.”
“Many will remember his global leadership through unknown times. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time,” Johnson tweeted.
Iran condemned the shooting as “an act of terrorism.”
“As a country that has been a victim of terrorism and has lost great leaders at the hands of terrorists, we are following the news closely and with concern,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
People in Japan could be seen reading extra editions of the Friday paper with Abe’s picture blown up on the front page, or stopping to watch the news on television.
Public broadcaster NHK broadcast dramatic footage of Abe giving a speech outside a train station in the western city of Nara. He is on his feet, dressed in a navy blue suit, raising his fist, when two shots are heard. The footage then shows Abe collapsed in the street.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the violent attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” the White House said in a statement shortly after.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier expressed her shock at the shooting. She said Abe was one of the first leaders she met after taking office and described him as deeply committed to his role, generous and kind.
“I remember him asking about the recent loss of our pet when I met him, a small gesture but it speaks to the kind of person he is,” Ardern said. “Events like this shake us all to the core.”
In the NHK video, security guards are seen jumping on a man in a gray shirt who is lying face down on the pavement. On the ground is a double-barreled device that appears to be a handmade weapon.
Police arrested a suspected gunman at the scene. Under Japanese law, the possession of firearms, as well as certain types of knives and other weapons, such as crossbows, is illegal without a special license. Importing them is also illegal.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that he was “deeply shocked by the heinous attack” on Abe. He paid tribute to Abe as “a great prime minister” and said “France is on the side of the Japanese people.”
Many offered condolences and expressed solidarity with Japan, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a one-day national mourning on Saturday as a show of deepest respect for Abe.
“Mr. Abe made an immense contribution in elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a special strategic global partnership. Today, all of India mourns Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters at this difficult time.” Modi said.
The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, sent his best wishes to Abe’s family. “Spain stands with the people of Japan in these difficult times,” he tweeted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends and a “giant on the world stage”, adding that “his legacy was one of global, profound and positive impact for Australia. He will be greatly missed.”
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi offered his deepest condolences, saying Italy was embracing Abe’s family, the Japanese government and people.
“Italy is distressed by the terrible attack on Japan and its free and democratic debate. Abe was a great protagonist of Japanese and international political life in recent decades, thanks to his innovative spirit and reformist vision,” Draghi said in a statement.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who is in Bali as chairman of the Group of 20-nation foreign ministers’ meeting in Bali, Indonesia, lamented Abe’s “untimely death” and said he “always He will be remembered as a fine example to all.”
In China, however, Abe’s shooting drew unfavorable comments from tens of thousands of nationalist citizens on social media.
Some joked, “I hope he’s not okay,” while dozens half-jokingly called the shooter “a hero” or “anti-Japanese hero.” Others said Abe’s injuries were a comfort to the souls of people who had died in the Japanese invasion of China during World War II.
While not necessarily the opinion of the majority of Chinese, the posts reflect strong public sentiment, spurred by government propaganda, against right-wing Japanese politicians who question or deny that the military has committed atrocities in China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declined to comment. He said that China expressed sympathy for Abe’s family and that the shooting should not be linked to bilateral relations.