……..suspect arrested
The younger brother of Shinzo Abe has told reporters in Tokyo that the former prime minister is currently receiving a blood transfusion in hospital and that attempts are being made to save his life.
Nobuo Kishi, who serves as defence minister in the Japanese government, adds that whatever the shooter’s motivations are, the attack is an inexcusable act.
Officials earlier said Abe was shot in the neck and chest and has suffered significant internal bleeding.
Before he was shot, Shinzo Abe had been campaigning for his former party ahead of Sunday’s legislative elections.
Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party have held a virtual monopoly on power in Japan since the end of the Second World War, and there was little doubt that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida would be returned for a second term this weekend.
The party held a 20-point advantage over its nearest competitor.
While he resigned from office with serious health concerns in 2020, Abe has remained a serious power broker within his party.
His appearance in Nara city was confirmed by the local branch of his party just a day ahead of the rally.
Public rallies like Abe’s are typical in the 20 days before an election, the only period when campaigning is allowed under Japanese law.
And while senior politicians like Abe normally travel with extensive security, attacks on public figures are extremely rare in Japan.
