A file picture of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, March 24, 2026. /VCG
Tokyo prosecutors are in search of 18 months in jail for Kodai Murata, a former Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officer accused of breaking into the Chinese Embassy with a knife earlier this 12 months, native media reported. The Tokyo District Court will hand down its ruling on December 24.Â
On March 24, Murata, then an active-duty second lieutenant, scaled a barbed-wire wall and entered the embassy compound in Tokyo armed with a knife. He allegedly threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic workers and was later arrested by the police. He was dismissed from the GSDF in August.
His trial started on October 1 following his indictment in July on fees together with illegal entry and threatening embassy workers. In court docket, Murata admitted to trespassing and violating the firearms and swords management regulation, however his protection staff pleaded not responsible to threatening embassy personnel.
Following the intrusion, the Chinese Embassy lodged solemn representations and a robust protest with Japan, demanding a accountable rationalization.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged Tokyo to severely punish the perpetrator and conduct a radical investigation.
So far, Japan has solely referred to as the incident “regrettable” and has not issued an apology.
Source: CGTN