Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Abe assassination 'shocking': Trudeau

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Jul, 2022 10:18 AM
  • Abe assassination 'shocking': Trudeau

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the assassination of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe is "shocking," and that Canada has "lost a close friend" with his death.

Abe was assassinated Friday on a street in western Japan by a gunman who opened fire on him from behind as he delivered a campaign speech — an attack that stunned the country that has some of the strictest gun control laws anywhere.

The 67-year-old Abe, who was Japan’s longest-serving leader when he resigned in 2020, collapsed bleeding and was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Nara, although he was not breathing and his heart had stopped. He was pronounced dead after receiving massive blood transfusions, officials said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, attending the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Indonesia, said she expressed Canada's condolences to Japanese foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi.

"We are saddened and horrified by the recent news coming from Japan," she said.

In a statement released by the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden said he was "stunned, outraged and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former prime minister of Japan, was shot and killed while campaigning."

"Above all, [Abe] cared deeply about the Japanese people and dedicated his life to their service. Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy. While there are many details that we do not yet know, we know that violent attacks are never acceptable and that gun violence always leaves a deep scar on the communities that are affected by it. The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family."

Nara Medical University emergency department chief Hidetada Fukushima said Abe suffered major damage to his heart, along with two neck wounds that damaged an artery. He never regained his vital signs, Fukushima said.

Prefectural police in Nara arrested the suspected gunman at the scene of the attack and identified him as Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, a former member of Japan's navy. Broadcaster NHK reported that he said he wanted to kill Abe because he had complaints about him unrelated to politics.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Cabinet ministers returned to Tokyo from campaign events around the country after the shooting, which he called “dastardly and barbaric." He pledged that the election, which chooses members for Japan's less-powerful upper house of parliament, would go on as planned.

“I use the harshest words to condemn (the act),” Kishida said, struggling to control his emotions. He said the government planned to review the security situation, but added that Abe had the highest protection.

Even though he was out of office, Abe was still highly influential in the governing Liberal Democratic Party and headed its largest faction, Seiwakai.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was “deeply shocked.”

“He was one of the first leaders I formally met when I became Prime Minister. He was deeply committed to his role, and also generous and kind. I recall him asking after the recent loss of our pet when I met him, a small gesture but one that speaks to the kind of person he is," Ardern said. "My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Japan. Events like this shake us all to the core.”

Asian leaders were also stunned.

“Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong slammed it as a “senseless act of violence."

“Mr. Abe is a good friend of Singapore. I had just hosted him to lunch in May, on my visit to Tokyo. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Abe and his family," Lee said on Facebook.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said he learned the news with great shock and dismay. “I extend my deep sympathy and pray for his early recovery,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Instagram. 

MORE National ARTICLES

Lululemon starts fiscal year strongly

Lululemon starts fiscal year strongly
The Vancouver-based athletic clothing company, which reports in U.S. dollars, says it earned US$1.48 per diluted share in the first quarter, up from US$1.11 per share or US$145 million a year earlier.    

Lululemon starts fiscal year strongly

Female stabbed inside a Surrey grocery store in Guildford area

Female stabbed inside a Surrey grocery store in Guildford area
Police arrived within minutes of the call and located a female victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was given first aid at the scene and then transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Female stabbed inside a Surrey grocery store in Guildford area

BC Prosecution approves charges against Surrey RCMP officer Jagjeet Bassan

BC Prosecution approves charges against Surrey RCMP officer Jagjeet Bassan
The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced today that a charge of assault causing bodily harm has been approved against Surrey RCMP Cst. Jagjeet Bassan in connection with their involvement in an on-duty incident. 

BC Prosecution approves charges against Surrey RCMP officer Jagjeet Bassan

Charges approved against suspect who poured gasoline on stranger's porch

Charges approved against suspect who poured gasoline on stranger's porch
Officers observed that a small fire in the grass near the residence had been started and extinguished. The victim and the suspect are not known to each other and officers have been unable to determine a motive for the crime.    

Charges approved against suspect who poured gasoline on stranger's porch

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist
On June 19, 2021, Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a hit and run collision involving a vehicle and motorcycle at Canada Way and Imperial Street. The motorcyclist who was hit did not survive his injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision left the scene.

Charges approved against alleged driver in fatal 2021 hit and run that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect
It is alleged the same man chased several people while holding a knife and a machete, punched another man, then went back to the pedestrian and stabbed him on the neck and back.    

VPD arrest leads to charges against alleged stabbing suspect