Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shows no signs of life after apparently being shot and wounded during a political event in the western Nara region, local media reported on Friday (July 8th).
The former chief executive was delivering a campaign speech at a political event ahead of Sunday's senatorial elections when gunshots were heard, national broadcaster NHK and Kyodo news agency reported.
Shinzo Abe, 67, collapsed and was bleeding from the neck, a source from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (PLD) told Jiji news agency.
Shot from behind
Both NHK and Kyodo reported that Shinzo Abe was taken to hospital and appeared to be in cardiopulmonary arrest - a term used in Japan indicating no signs of life, and usually preceding an official death certificate.
Several outlets reported that he appeared to have been shot from behind, likely with a gun.
NHK reported that a man had been apprehended, but did not immediately provide further details.
Shinzo Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
He was in office in 2006 for one year, then again from 2012 to 2020.
With AFP
The summary of the
France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 app
google-play-badge_FR