As the report of Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, being shot at sent shock waves across the world, questions are bound to be raised about the gun laws in one of the most developed nations. However, Japan has the most stringent gun laws.
Abe was shot on Friday while campaigning for a parliamentary election, with public broadcaster NHK saying a man armed with an apparently homemade gun opened fire at him from behind.
JAPAN GUN LAWS
Civilians cannot buy a handgun or a rifle as only air guns are allowed, that too for a specific purpose. Other than the police and military, nobody can keep arms.
In order to buy a gun, any individual must achieve 95 per cent accuracy in a shooting test. That person also needs to clear a written test and go through a mental health assessment at a hospital.
Only after all clearances can a gun license be given.
Strict background checks are done before a civilian is allowed to possess a weapon. This includes speaking to family, friends and relatives of the applicant.
The licence to possess a weapon is valid only for three years. After the demise of a gun owner, the arm needs to be surrendered.
Even police officials, who are not on duty, cannot carry a firearm.
Only a limited number of gun shops are allowed to operate in an area. Japan’s low crime rate is attributed to the country’s strict gun laws.
SHINZO ABE CRITICAL
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Abe, 67, was in grave condition. He condemned the shooting in the western city of Nara during the campaign for Sunday’s upper house election as an unacceptable attack on the foundation of Japan’s democracy.
Police said a 41-year-old man suspected of carrying out the shooting had been arrested. NHK quoted the suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, as telling police he was dissatisfied with Abe and wanted to kill him.
NHK showed video of Abe making a campaign speech outside a train station when two shots rang out, after which the view was briefly obscured and then security officials were seen tackling a man in a grey T-shirt and beige trousers. A puff of smoke behind Abe could be seen in another video shown on NHK.
ALSO READ | Shinzo Abe: All you need to know about Japan’s longest-serving prime minister
— ENDS —
