Japan's 'Kishida Terror' Suspect Transferred to Prosecution... Explosive Device Suspected Found

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Kimura Ryuji (24), the suspect arrested for throwing an explosive device at Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, was handed over to the prosecution on the 17th.

According to foreign media including Kyodo News and Asahi Shimbun on the same day, Kimura was charged with "obstruction of business by force" and was transferred from Wakayamanishi Police Station to the Wakayama District Public Prosecutors Office in the morning. Obstruction of business by force is a crime involving interference with business through violence or disturbance. It can result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen (approximately 4.9 million won).

He is reported to have exercised his right to remain silent during police questioning. Kimura had stated immediately after the incident, "I will talk when my lawyer arrives." Investigators are focusing on securing evidence and tracing Kimura's movements on the day of the crime.

Additionally, the authorities recovered an object presumed to be a fragment of the explosive device near a warehouse about 40 meters away from the speech venue on the same day. A dent possibly caused by the explosion was confirmed on the warehouse wall. Some objects resembling screws were also found.

Meanwhile, on the 15th, Kimura threw a silver cylindrical explosive device toward Prime Minister Kishida, who was preparing to give a speech at the Saikazaki Fish Market in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. He was immediately subdued by fishermen nearby. The explosive detonated about 50 seconds after being thrown. Prime Minister Kishida escaped unharmed along with his security guards.