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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

Shinzo Abe killing: ‘Moonies’ church confirms suspect’s mother is member

People pay tribute to former Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo, where a private family wake was held.
People pay tribute to former Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo, where a private family wake was held. Photograph: Kimimasa Mayama/EPA

The mother of the man accused of assassinating Shinzo Abe is a member of the Unification church, which the suspect has cited as a motive for his fatal shooting of the former Japanese prime minister last week.

The church, whose members are colloquially known as Moonies, confirmed at a press conference on Monday that the mother of Tetsuya Yamagami, who was detained moments after he shot Abe from behind during an election campaign speech on Friday, attends meetings about once a month.

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