Japan ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shot while making speech, in critical condition

- Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, is in critical condition after being shot on Friday

- He was shot in the chest while making a campaign and was reportedly in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest

- According to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Abe is receiving emergency treatment at the Nara Medical University hospital

- Reports say that a 41-year-old male suspect had been arrested

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is gravely wounded after being shot while making a campaign speech in the central city of Nara on Friday.

According to The Japan Times, Abe was shot in the chest and reportedly in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. His successor, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, has described Abe as being in a “serious condition.”

In a report by CNN, Kishida said in a press conference that the 67-year-old ex-prime minister is receiving emergency treatment at the Nara Medical University hospital.

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"This is not a forgivable act," CNN wrote, quoting Kishida. "We will comprehend the situation and take appropriate measures."

As per NHK, also called the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, a 41-year-old male suspect, identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, had been arrested at the scene. Police said they seized a gun at the site, which the suspect was apparently holding.

Shinzo Abe is one of the most respected and well-acclaimed Prime Ministers in Japan. He focused his term on reviving his country’s economy through a “policy package” called Abenomics.

In 2016, he had a bilateral meeting with former President Rodrigo Duterte. He said that the Davaoeño politician is quite famous in Japan. “President Duterte, I would like to congratulate you on assuming the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Mr. President is quite a famous figure also in Japan and I am very excited to see you in person,” said Abe through a translator.

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In August 2020, Abe decided to step down from his post. The said announcement was made amid the country’s battle against the novel coronavirus disease. Health is the main reason why the said chief executive is already resigning at the age of 65.

Source: KAMI.com.gh