For Immediate Release
Washington DC – July 8, 2022
Contact: (202) 547-3686
TAIWANESE AMERICANS LAMENT ASSASSINATION OF JAPAN’s FORMER PM SHINZO ABE
In light of the fatal shooting this morning of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nara, Japan, during a campaign event, after which he succumbed to his injuries in a hospital and was pronounced dead five hours later, FAPA President Minze Chien states:
“Taiwanese Americans are deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of Shinzo Abe. We hereby convey our deepest condolences to his family.”
“This is a dark and sad day; not just for all of us who believe in democracy and freedom, but for the people of Japan and for people all around the world.”
“Not only did Japan lose a great politician, the world at large lost a great leader. The memory of Abe will forever remain in the hearts of the people who knew him, and who knew of him.”
“For Taiwanese Americans and for the people of Taiwan realizing that Abe is and will no longer be with us hurts deeply for he was a great and outspoken friend of our beloved Taiwan; not only during his tenure as Prime Minister but also after he left office in 2020. His concern about keeping Taiwan free was genuine and heartfelt, and he put his words into action in this regard.”
Dr. Chien concludes: “While our community is still reeling from the shooting in Laguna Woods, California on May 15, today we again mourn a loss that impacts us all — this death of Prime Minister Abe.”
“His killing, just like the killing of a Taiwanese American doctor in Laguna Woods, is another stark reminder to all that the time to stop solving political differences with violence and murder is NOW.”
