World leaders on Friday mourned the shocking death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe who was shot at during a campaign event in the city of Nara, in western Japan. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida called it a “barbaric and malicious” attack and said that such an incident cannot be tolerated.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died at the age of 67 after he was shot earlier on Friday, 8 July, in the city of Nara, officials said. After being shot, Abe was not showing any vital signs. He was not breathing, and his heart stopped while being airlifted to the hospital for the gunshot wound, a fire official was quoted as saying.
“Shinzo Abe was transported to (the hospital) at 12:20 pm (local time). He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival. Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately, he died at 5:03 pm,” Hidetada Fukushima of Nara Medical University hospital was reported as saying by a news agency.
I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “I am shocked and saddened by the sad demise of Shinzo Abe, one of my dearest friends,” he said. He was a great global politician, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to making Japan and the world a better place.
As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
“During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Abe again and discuss many issues. He was witty and insightful as always. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Japanese people,” he added.
Deeply saddened by the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe. India today has lost a close friend who assiduously worked towards strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Japan, during his tenure as Prime Minister. 1/2
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 8, 2022
India’s defense minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to say he was “deeply saddened.” “India today has lost a close friend who assiduously worked towards strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Japan, during his tenure as Prime Minister,” Singh wrote on Twitter.
I met with Mr Abe during my visit to Japan in 2019. I found him to be an inspiring leader who had the vision to create a safe and better world. He will always be remembered for his statesmanship. Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 8, 2022
In a press briefing, Kishida had informed that the injured ex-PM was in a ‘very grave condition’, the news agency reported. “(It) is a despicable act of barbarity that occurred when an election, which is the basis of democracy, is being held and is totally unacceptable,” A news agency quoted the incumbent Prime Minister as saying.
