Ishiba: “Democratic violence must not be tolerated”
A man who threw an object believed to be a Molotov cocktail at the headquarters of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been arrested. The man is said to have attempted to crash his car into the Prime Minister’s residence.
According to NHK, the incident occurred around 6 a.m. on the 19th. In front of the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, a man riding in a cargo vehicle threw about five objects that appeared to be Molotov cocktails at the headquarters.
Some of the thrown objects fell on the premises of the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters or hit the riot police vehicle, but the fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries appear to have occurred at the time. Afterwards, the man headed towards the Prime Minister’s residence, 500 meters away.
After driving to the official residence, he rushed into the intrusion prevention fence. Afterwards, he threw an object that appeared to be a flame canister at the police officer. He was reportedly arrested at the scene on charges of obstruction of justice.
NHK reported that the arrested person was a 49-year-old man living in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. The investigation into this incident is currently ongoing, but the suspect is said to be exercising his right to remain silent.
NHK reported that about 10 thermoplastic containers and several Molotov cocktails with ignition agents attached to glass bottles were found in the car in which the suspect was riding. The Japanese Metropolitan Police Agency is conducting an investigation.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a speech after this incident, “Democracy must never succumb to violence,” and “We will thoroughly protect democracy that does not succumb to violence.”
Japan is preparing for the 50th House of Representatives election on the 27th.
(Seoul = Newsis)
Source: www.donga.com
