“Abe’s Assassin Found Guilty, Jailed for Life”

The man charged with killing former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The verdict came more than three years after the shocking assassination, which took place in broad daylight and stunned people around the world.

Shinzo Abe was shot while giving a campaign speech, an incident that deeply shocked Japan, a country known for its strict gun laws and very low levels of gun violence. The attack led to nationwide discussions about public safety and political security.

The shooting also triggered closer scrutiny of alleged links between several conservative political leaders and the Unification Church, a controversial religious group. The gunman had claimed personal grievances connected to the sect, which brought the organisation into the public spotlight.

The case forced Japan to reflect on issues such as political safety, gun control, and the influence of religious groups in politics. The life sentence marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the country following the loss of one of its most prominent leaders.