July 16, 2022
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on July 15 issued a statement in opposition to a "state funeral" of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo slated for this fall.
In the statement, the JCP expresses once again its deep condolences over the death of Abe who was fatally shot when he was making a campaign speech and condemns such a crime of violence. The JCP's stance is to politely recognize the deceased as a person who engaged in national politics, irrespective of differences in political beliefs, according to the statement.
The statement, however, adds, "This is a totally different thing from political recognition and criticism of Abe." It points out that the evaluation regarding his political ideology and attitude varies among the general public, including those who want to honor the memory of Abe.
It states, "Whether to express one's sympathy to someone is a matter of the individual freedom of conscience. No government should compel its people to express their condolences upon anyone."
In the statement, the JCP expresses once again its deep condolences over the death of Abe who was fatally shot when he was making a campaign speech and condemns such a crime of violence. The JCP's stance is to politely recognize the deceased as a person who engaged in national politics, irrespective of differences in political beliefs, according to the statement.
The statement, however, adds, "This is a totally different thing from political recognition and criticism of Abe." It points out that the evaluation regarding his political ideology and attitude varies among the general public, including those who want to honor the memory of Abe.
It states, "Whether to express one's sympathy to someone is a matter of the individual freedom of conscience. No government should compel its people to express their condolences upon anyone."
