Japan executes ‘Twitter killer’ who murdered 9

Japan has executed a person who murdered 9 folks in 2017, the primary time since 2022 that the nation has enacted capital punishment.

The serial killings by Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the “Twitter killer”, had shocked the nation and triggered debate over how suicide was mentioned on-line.

Shiraishi, then 30, lured his victims – most of them younger ladies between the ages of 15 and 26 – to his house, earlier than strangling and dismembering them.

The killings got here to mild in October 2017, when police discovered physique components within the Japanese metropolis of Zama, close to Tokyo, after they have been looking for one of many victims.

Warning: Readers might discover some particulars on this story distressing.

Shiraishi later admitted to murdering 9 suicidal victims and revealed that he received acquainted with them on Twitter, the social media platform now often known as X.

He then instructed them he may assist them die, and in some circumstances claimed he would kill himself alongside them.

His Twitter profile contained the phrases: “I wish to assist people who find themselves actually in ache. Please DM [direct message] me anytime.”

9 dismembered our bodies have been present in coolers and power packing containers when officers visited his flat, which was dubbed by media retailers as a “home of horrors”.

Whereas prosecutors sought the demise penalty for Shiraishi, his legal professionals argued for the lesser cost of “homicide with consent”, claiming his victims had given their permission to be killed.

In addition they referred to as for an evaluation of his psychological state.

Shiraishi later disputed his personal defence crew’s model of occasions and mentioned he killed with out the victims’ consent.

A whole lot of individuals confirmed up at his verdict listening to in December 2020, when he was sentenced to demise.

The murders additionally prompted a change by Twitter, which amended its guidelines to state customers mustn’t “promote or encourage suicide or self-harm”.

In case you are feeling emotionally distressed and would really like particulars of organisations which provide recommendation and help, click on right here.

Within the UK you possibly can name at no cost, at any time, to listen to recorded data on 0800 066 066. In Japan you will get assist right here.