Japanese mourners still shocked by the assassination of their former prime minister visited in long lines the scene of Shinzo Abe’s murder on Saturday.
Abe, Japan’s longest serving modern leader, was gunned down while making a campaign speech in the western city of Nara on Friday morning.
His murder has shocked many in Japan, a country where the level of social violence is low and the carrying of weapons by ordinary people is strictly regulated.
Over 100 people were queuing to lay flowers at midday at a table featuring a photo of Abe giving a speech, with more arriving. Local officials were moving some of the offerings to create space.
A hearse carrying the late leader’s body was seen entering his Tokyo residence on Saturday, while senior members of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, dressed in black, lined up to pay their respects.
A night vigil will be held on Monday, with Abe’s funeral to take place on Tuesday, attended by close friends, Japanese media said. There was no immediate word on any public memorial service.
Japanese media reported that a wake would be held Monday evening and a funeral on Tuesday for his close family and associates.
The gunman identified as Tatsuya Yamagami, 41, said that he had no political motive for this murder, but said Abe was affiliated with an unspecified organization which caused his family financial problems.
Japanese media have not mentioned the name of the organization, but said the organization mentioned by Yamagami was a religious one.
The published pictures of the accused, who formerly served in the Maritime Self-Defense Force, show he was behind Abe and allegedly 10 feet away from him during his speech.
According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, the man didn’t try to flee after shooting the ex-prime minister.
Source: Websites
