Summary
Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," for murdering and dismembering nine people in 2017. Shiraishi was sentenced to death in 2020 and was executed as debate over the death penalty continues in Japan.
Key Facts
- Takahiro Shiraishi was executed for killing and dismembering nine people in 2017.
- He was called the "Twitter killer" because he contacted victims through Twitter.
- Most victims shared suicidal thoughts on social media before their deaths.
- The victims included eight women and one man.
- Shiraishi was also found guilty of sexually abusing female victims.
- Shiraishi's execution occurred amid discussions in Japan about ending the death penalty.
- Japan has a high suicide rate, which has increased as the COVID-19 pandemic affects the country.
- The execution was conducted in secrecy and wasn't revealed until after it happened.
