ASIA

China (Security threat level – 4): On 8 July 2022, authorities in the capital Beijing rescinded a COVID-19 vaccination mandate to enter public venues after receiving backlash from the public. The city’s 6 July announcement stated that beginning 11 July proof of vaccination or proof of medical exemption from vaccination would be needed to enter most public buildings in the capital. Although officials have rescinded the mandate, individuals are still required to show proof of a negative coronavirus PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and submit to a routine temperature check to enter government buildings, shopping malls and other public spaces.

Japan (Security threat level – 1): At approximately 1130 local time (0230 UTC) on 8 July 2022, a gunman shot and killed former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while he was delivering a campaign speech outside the Yamato-Saidaiji train station in the western city of Nara — located approximately 35 km (20 mi) east of Osaka. The assailant, armed with a homemade weapon, opened fire on the former prime minister twice from behind. Abe was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Police officers arrested a suspect and officials have launched an investigation into the killing. The detained suspect is a former member of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and was reportedly dissatisfied with the former prime minister’s policies. Abe had traveled to Nara to show support for a candidate of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in the 10 July election of the upper house of parliament.

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1830 local time (1300 UTC) on 8 July 2022, police officers fired tear gas toward demonstrators with the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) who were participating in anti-government protests in the Fort area of central Colombo. Initial reports indicate demonstrators were attempting to enter the Bank of Ceylon, located near the World Trade Center building in the capital. There were no initial reports of injuries or arrests following the clashes. Several violent anti-government protests have occurred throughout Sri Lanka, including in the capital Colombo, since March 2022. An additional “massive people’s protest” is anticipated to take place at the Galle Face Green park in central Colombo on 9 July.

EUROPE

Greece (Security threat level – 2): During the pre-dawn hours of 7 July 2022, an explosive device was detonated at a government tax office on Plataion Street in Maroussi, a northern Athens suburb. According to local officials, the blast destroyed several windows and damaged office infrastructure; however, there were no injuries due to the absence of employees inside the building at the time of the explosion. An anarchist group that was previously unknown to police has claimed responsibility for the blast and offered proof of its involvement by detailing the devices used in the explosion. The counterterrorism unit of the local police force has begun an investigation into the attack.