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Mother's Testimony Sparks Controversy in Abe Assassination Trial

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, accused of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has drawn scrutiny.
Yamagami's mother testified she was sorrowful for her son's actions and remained devoted to Unification Church.
She said her substantial donations to the church supported her family during hard times, not coercion.
Media coverage has been criticized for distorting her testimony.
The defense argues Yamagami acted due to a deep-seated grudge against the church.

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Story summary

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, accused of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has drawn scrutiny.
Yamagami's mother testified she was sorrowful for her son's actions and remained devoted to Unification Church.
She said her substantial donations to the church supported her family during hard times, not coercion.
Media coverage has been criticized for distorting her testimony.
The defense argues Yamagami acted due to a deep-seated grudge against the church.