Shinzo Abe in very grave condition; PM calls emergency cabinet meeting in Japan; Ministers directed to return to capital

TOKYO: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called an emergency cabinet meeting in Japan, following the attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The ministers have been called back to the capital as Abe’s continues to remain critical.

Condemning the attack, Fumio Kishida termed the shooting as barbaric and malicious. “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.

According to police, Abe was shot twice from behind with a shotgun. A heart attack after being shot had worsened his health condition. He is reportedly unresponsive to medication. He was shot on the right side of his neck. The police have arrested the assailant, 41-year-old Yamagami Tetsuya, in connection with the attack. Tetsuya is reportedly a former naval officer.

Meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack and called the Indian ambassador to Japan to inquire about Abe’s condition.

“Deeply distressed by the attack on my dear friend Abe Shinzo. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” Modi tweeted on Friday. Abe is often quoted as Modi’s most dependable and valuable friend.