Suspect in Assassination of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to be Formally Charged with Murder on Friday

On Friday, Japanese prosecutors are expected to formally charge the suspect in the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with murder. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested immediately after allegedly shooting Abe with a handmade gun as the former leader was making a campaign speech in July outside a train station in Nara in western Japan.

One of Yamagami’s lawyers, Masaaki Furukawa, told The Associated Press on Thursday that he expects prosecutors to charge Yamagami with murder and gun control law violations. Later that month, Yamagami was sent to an Osaka detention center and given a five-month mental evaluation, which ended Tuesday.

The complexity of the case has led to speculation that the prosecutors may take some time to decide on the charges. However, Furukawa believes that the prosecutors will make a decision on Friday.

The assassination of Abe has shocked Japan and sparked a debate about gun control. Abe was a popular leader and his death has been mourned by many. The trial of Yamagami is expected to be closely watched by the public.