After Attacking the Prime Minister, Suspect Files a Lawsuit Against the Government

Japanese media reported today, Tuesday, that "Kimura," the suspect in the incident of throwing a smoke bomb at Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, had previously filed a lawsuit against the government, claiming he was unjustly barred from running in the general elections. The reason for his disqualification from the elections is his age and his inability to deposit three million yen (approximately $22,339), according to the Yomiuri newspaper and other media outlets, citing court documents. Reports indicated that the court rejected Kimura's lawsuit in which he demanded compensation of 100,000 yen for alleged psychological harm. Japanese media also reported that Kimura appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court in Osaka with further claims. The Jiji Press agency stated that Kishida's government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party decided to move important campaign speeches to closed venues and to conduct bag checks until the elections take place this coming Sunday, as part of measures to tighten security following the incident.