A pre-trial conference for the fatal shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has taken place shortly before the incident's second anniversary.
Yamagami Tetsuya, 43, was indicted on homicide and other charges in relation to the attack in Nara City, western Japan, on July 8, 2022.
The fourth session of the pre-trial meeting was held at the Nara District Court on Wednesday morning, with Yamagami in attendance.
During the 40-minute meeting, officials from the court, prosecution and defense counsel discussed issues and evidence that will be presented during the trial.
Yamagami reportedly listened attentively.
Although nearly two years have passed since the incident, the parties involved have yet to agree on narrowing the scope of points of contention.
The defense counsel expects the first hearing to take place in 2025 or later.
During the investigation, Yamagami allegedly said he attacked Abe because he believed the former prime minister had close ties with a religious group better known by its former name, the Unification Church. Yamagami allegedly said that he developed a grudge against the religious group after his mother gave it large sums of money.
A focal point of the trial will be how severe Yamagami's punishment should be considering his personal circumstances.