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🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

Japanese military officer indicted over Chinese Embassy trespass, threats

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force officer was indicted for trespassing and threatening staff at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.
  • The 24-year-old officer climbed a wall and entered the embassy compound with a kitchen knife in March.
  • He underwent psychiatric evaluation before being indicted, with prosecutors concluding he could be held responsible for his actions.

A 24-year-old officer in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has been indicted for unlawfully entering the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and threatening its staff. Kodai Murata, a second lieutenant stationed at Camp Ebino, was formally charged on July 27 following a psychiatric evaluation that lasted approximately three months. Prosecutors determined that Murata could be held accountable for his actions during the March incident.

a patriot will execute you on behalf of Japan’s gods.

— Kodai MurataThe indictment cited threatening remarks made by the officer to embassy staff.

According to the indictment, Murata scaled a wall topped with an anti-intrusion fence to gain access to the embassy compound on March 24. He was carrying an 18-centimeter kitchen knife and allegedly made threatening remarks to embassy personnel, including stating, "a patriot will execute you on behalf of Japan’s gods."

convey my opinions to the ambassador

— Kodai MurataMurata's stated reason for entering the Chinese Embassy compound.

Earlier reports indicated that Murata told police he entered the embassy to "convey my opinions to the ambassador." He also reportedly stated he planned to commit suicide to "surprise" embassy officials if his attempt to speak with them was rebuffed. At the time of his arrest, Murata also expressed a desire for China to cease making hard-line statements directed at Japan.

surprise

— Kodai MurataMurata's alleged plan to commit suicide if rebuffed by embassy officials.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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