Man who killed former Japanese prime minister sentenced to life in prison

A Japanese court sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to killing former prime minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. Defence lawyers said they will consider an appeal.

A Japanese court on Wednesday sentenced a man who admitted killing former prime minister Shinzo Abe to life in prison. The killing occurred in July 2022 while Abe was giving a campaign speech in Nara. The defendant, Tetsuya Yamagami, pleaded guilty and told investigators he acted to expose ties between politicians and the Unification Church. The case prompted investigations into the church and led to legal and political repercussions. Key facts: - Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, pleaded guilty to the July 2022 killing of Shinzo Abe and was convicted by the Nara District Court, which sentenced him to life imprisonment as prosecutors requested. - Yamagami told investigators he was motivated by a desire to expose ties between Japanese politicians and the Unification Church and cited his family's financial and personal hardships linked to his mother's donations. - Defence lawyers said the court did not accept their request for clemency and that they will consider an appeal after consulting with their client. - The case spurred investigations into the church's fundraising and recruitment, led to a court ruling that stripped the church's Japanese branch of tax-exempt status and ordered its dissolution, and that church decision is under appeal; the National Police Agency also increased protection for dignitaries. Summary: The court has issued a life sentence, concluding the trial phase of the case. Defence lawyers said they will consider an appeal, and the Unification Church's appeal of the ruling against its Japanese branch remains pending.