Overview
- The Nara District Court is set to deliver a verdict on Jan. 21 in Tetsuya Yamagami’s trial for killing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
- In court, Yamagami said targeting other politicians "would have less meaning," indicating a deliberate choice of Abe.
- His lawyers argued that murder cannot be excused while stressing he suffered abuse linked to the Unification Church.
- Reporting details a family collapse after his mother joined the group in 1991 and donated about ¥50 million within months.
- Police and court records describe a homemade firearm and parts in his apartment, including a laser scope, black powder, empty casings, tools and a vise.