Tokyo Governor Koike Also Targeted by Threat
11:32 JST, June 25, 2024
Tokyo (Jiji Press)—A threatening message warning of an attack using sulfuric acid to blind Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has been sent to those linked to the governor, investigative sources said.
Politician Renho, running against Koike in the July 7 Tokyo gubernatorial election, has also received a death threat. The Japanese capital’s Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incidents as suspected intimidation.
The sources said Monday that a fax message was sent that day to people linked to regional political party Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites first group), to which she serves as special adviser, and the office of a party member in the Toshima Ward assembly in Tokyo.
The message contained threats such as “I have obtained a high-performance bomb and sulfuric acid,” “I will pour sulfuric acid on Yuriko Koike and blind her,” and “I will blow up Yuriko Koike’s election office, like with Renho.” The recipients have consulted the MPD.
Renho’s election office received a fax message Sunday morning threatening to “repeatedly stab Renho to death with a knife” and “set up explosives and detonate them on June 24.” The candidate, a former member of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of Japan’s parliament, has filed a police report through an attorney.
The incidents happened during the official campaign period for the gubernatorial election.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan Scrambles Fighter Aircraft After Russia Violates Airspace
-
LDP Presidential Vote Could Go to Runoff, Surveys Suggest; Overall Tally Tips Toward Takaichi, Ishiba
-
Japanese Government Tells Australia of Willingness to Cooperate in Building Warships; New Model Based on Mogami-Class Frigate
-
Sanae Takaichi, Shigeru Ishiba, Shinjiro Koizumi Fight to Reach Runoff in LDP Presidential Race; Ballots Set to Start Arriving
-
Japan Coast Guard Study Program to Accept Palau Official, for 1st Participant from Pacific Islands
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Philippines Steps Up Defense of Northernmost Province with Eye on Possible Contingency Involving Taiwan
- Tokyo Companies Prepare for Ashfall From Mt. Fuji Eruption; Disposal Of Ash, Possibly at Sea, A Major Challenge
- Japan External Trade Organization to Open Office in Kyiv, Aims to Help Japan-Linked Companies Boost Reconstruction
- Harris Widens Lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
- Typhoon Bebinca Could Approach Southern Japan In Days; Heavy Storms Expected from Saturday (Update 1)