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The man convicted of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has filed an appeal against his life sentence.
Japanese media reported that Tetsuya Yamagami submitted the appeal to the Osaka High Court on Wednesday.
Background of the Case
Yamagami, aged 45, admitted to shooting Abe with a homemade firearm during a campaign event in Nara in July 2022.
A court found him guilty of murder. It also convicted him for the illegal possession and use of a firearm.
The Nara District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment last month.
Motive Presented in Court
During the trial, Yamagami told the court he held resentment toward the Unification Church. He claimed the church caused his family’s financial collapse due to large donations made by his mother.
He said he believed Abe had ties to the organization.
Defence and Court Ruling
Yamagami’s lawyers asked the court to impose a sentence of no more than 20 years. They argued that he was a victim of religious exploitation and deserved a chance at rehabilitation.
However, the court ruled that the attack posed serious danger to society. It said the severity of the crime justified a life sentence.
Impact on Japan
The assassination led the Japanese government to investigate the Unification Church’s fundraising practices. The probe resulted in its dissolution and new laws aimed at preventing harmful donation practices.
About Shinzo Abe
Shinzo Abe was 67 years old at the time of his death. He was Japan’s longest serving prime minister, having held office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.
