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Japanese PM: "Abe is in grave condition, doctors are doing everything they can"-UPDATED-4

08 July 2022 10:13 (UTC +04:00)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on Friday that the country's former head of state Shinzo Abe, who was shot while campaigning earlier in the day, is in "grave condition," APA reports citing Tele Trader

Speaking to reporters at an official press conference, Kishida said that all the members of the cabinet were told to halt their campaigns for the forthcoming election for the House of Councillors and return to Tokyo.

“Currently doctors are doing everything they can, at this moment. I am hoping and praying that former prime minister Abe will survive this,” he said.

He stressed that "such a violent act during an election campaign is unacceptable and it must be condemned in the strongest terms." About the attack on Abe, Kishida asserted that "I want to believe there was sufficient security but that will be part of the investigation."

*** 09:15

Former Japanese PM Abe Shinzo has died, UK Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi wrote on Twitter, APA reports.

"Heart breaking news from Japan. PM Shinzo Abe has died after being shot by an attacker. We enter politics to serve and try and make the world a better place, a good man has lost his life in pursuit of that noble aim. May he rest in eternal peace," noted Zahawi.

*** 08:33

There are conflicting reports about Shinzo Abe's condition, APA reports.

NHK reported Abe was taken to hospital and appeared to be in cardo-respiratory arrest – a term used in Japan indicating no vital signs, and generally preceding a formal certification of death by a coroner.

AFP reported that the politician was between life and death.

***08.07

The Japanese government has created a crisis headquarters in connection with the assassination of Shinzo Abe, APA reports.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cut short his visit to Yamagata Prefecture and returned to the capital Tokyo to head the headquarters.

***07.56

Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in heart failure after apparently being shot during a campaign speech Friday in western Japan, NHK public television said Friday, APA reports citing Associated Press.

The broadcaster aired footage showing Abe collapsed on the street, with several security guards running toward him. Abe was holding his chest when he collapsed, with his shirt smeared with blood. NHK says Abe was rushed to a hospital.

Abe was in Nara campaigning ahead of Sunday’s election for the parliament’s upper house and was giving a speech when people heard a gunshot.

Police arrested 41-year-old Yamagami Tetsuya in Nara City for allegedly attempting murder.