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Japanese lawmakers to condemn attack on Yaita Akio, media rallies support

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Yaita Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, was reportedly attacked in Taichung by a Hong Kong national, allegedly orchestrated by a Hong Kong triad figure.
  • The Sankei Shimbun published an editorial supporting Yaita, condemning violence against speech and warning against cross-border suppression of dissent.
  • Japanese lawmakers are reportedly planning a joint statement to condemn the violence and defend freedom of speech, emphasizing that such threats to democracy extend beyond Taiwan to Japan and other nations.

Yaita Akio, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, expressed his deep emotion after the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun published an editorial supporting him following his recent attack in Taichung. Yaita stated that the editorial reaffirmed the newspaper's commitment to democracy, freedom, and freedom of speech.

Any violence against speech cannot be tolerated.

— Sankei Shimbun editorialQuoted by Yaita Akio in his Facebook post, condemning the attack.

According to media reports, the attack on Yaita was allegedly planned by a Hong Kong triad leader who hired a Hong Kong national to carry out the cross-border assault. The operation reportedly involved five accomplices and used a WhatsApp group for task assignment, with meticulous planning for reconnaissance, execution, and escape.

The Sankei Shimbun editorial stressed that violence against speech is unacceptable and warned that attempts to create a chilling effect through fear harm not only individuals but the entire democratic society. It highlighted growing international concern over China's cross-border suppression of dissidents and urged a thorough investigation into any organized intimidation, emphasizing that violence should not be used to silence dissenting opinions.

If someone attempts to use violence to create a chilling effect, making people afraid to speak out, the victim is not just an individual but the entire democratic society.

— Sankei Shimbun editorialQuoted by Yaita Akio, highlighting the broader implications of the attack.

Japanese lawmakers have expressed high concern over the incident, viewing the tactic of using "flash attackers" to intimidate dissidents across borders as a threat to Japan's security as well. They are reportedly organizing a cross-party joint statement to condemn the violence and defend freedom of speech, signaling that Japan will not remain silent in the face of actions that undermine democratic values. Yaita thanked supporters worldwide and pledged to continue his work, calling for greater international cooperation against cross-border threats and violent intimidation.

Japan will not remain silent in the face of actions that undermine democratic values.

— Japanese lawmakersStated intention regarding a planned joint statement condemning the violence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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