Mr Abe – a former prime minister of Japan – was shot dead today whilst giving a public speech in the southern city of Nara. The attack comes as Japan’s political parties are campaigning for the national election for Japan’s upper house, due to be held on Sunday.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan during this deeply traumatic time.
“Political campaigning is a sacred duty. It is the foundation of our democracies, of free and fair societies. Every person should be able to enjoy the right to canvass and to advocate for their causes openly and peacefully, without fear of violence. Today we have seen a cowardly and barbaric attack on that right. This is a dark day for Japan and for democracy.”
