In recent years, there have been several notable political assassinations and attempted assassinations that have shaken countries around the world. One such incident occurred in Slovakia, where Prime Minister Robert Fico was gravely injured in an apparent assassination attempt just weeks before an election. This event not only affected Slovakia but also resonated across Europe. Similarly, in Argentina, then-Vice President Cristina Fernández was targeted by a man who reportedly aimed a handgun at her at point-blank range, in what was characterized as an assassination attempt by government ministers.
In Japan, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated by a gunman who opened fire on him during a campaign speech in western Japan. Meanwhile, in Iraq, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt when armed drones targeted his residence in Baghdad’s Green Zone, injuring some of his security guards. In a shocking incident in the UK, British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death by an Islamic State supporter while meeting with voters.
In Haiti, President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated by gunmen in an overnight raid on his home in Port-au-Prince. His killing led to indictments of his widow, Martine, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph, and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, among others. In Chad, President Idriss Deby Itno was killed in battle while fighting rebels in the north, just hours after being declared the winner of an election that would have given him another six years in power. These incidents highlight the risks that political leaders face in today’s world.
Other attempted assassinations include the attack on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by drones armed with explosives during a live televised speech, and the shooting of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, by a Turkish policeman who opposed Russia’s military role in Syria. In Turkey, a group of soldiers launched a failed coup attempt to overthrow the president and government. Likewise, in Tunisia, left-wing opposition leader Chokri Belaid was fatally shot outside his home, leading to political chaos in the country.
Tragically, political assassinations have also occurred in countries like Libya, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Serbia, among others. These incidents have had a significant impact on the political landscape of these nations, leading to instability and uncertainty in many cases. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister in a Muslim-majority country, in Pakistan, and the killing of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri are just a few examples of how political violence can destabilize a country.
Overall, the 21st century has witnessed several high-profile political assassinations and assassination attempts, highlighting the dangers faced by political leaders around the world. These incidents have not only impacted the countries where they occurred but have also sent shockwaves across the international community. As the global political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the root causes of political violence and work towards creating a more stable and peaceful world for all.
