What's happened
Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the 'Twitter killer,' was executed in Japan on June 27, 2025. He was sentenced to death for the 2017 murders of nine individuals, primarily targeting those who expressed suicidal thoughts on social media. This marks the first execution under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration since he took office in October 2024.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Execution
The execution of Takahiro Shiraishi is significant not only for its brutality but also for its timing. It reflects the Japanese government's stance on capital punishment, which remains popular among the public despite growing calls for reform.
Public Sentiment
- Support for Capital Punishment: A 2024 survey indicated that 83% of respondents view the death penalty as 'unavoidable.' This suggests a strong societal backing for such measures, particularly in response to heinous crimes like Shiraishi's.
- Political Implications: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration is likely using this execution to reinforce its tough-on-crime image, especially after the previous government's controversies surrounding wrongful convictions.
Future Outlook
The execution may reignite discussions about the death penalty in Japan, especially as human rights groups continue to advocate for its abolition. The psychological impact on death-row inmates, who often receive last-minute notifications of their executions, remains a critical issue that could influence future legal reforms.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Shiraishi was dubbed the 'Twitter killer' for his method of contacting victims through social media, stating he offered to help them die. The Independent highlighted that he was convicted of sexually abusing his victims, adding another layer of horror to his crimes. Meanwhile, The Japan Times noted that this execution was the first since July 2022, marking a significant moment in Japan's capital punishment history. AP News emphasized the secrecy surrounding the execution, which aligns with Japan's controversial practices regarding death-row inmates. These varying perspectives illustrate the complex societal and legal implications of Shiraishi's case and the broader discourse on capital punishment in Japan.
How we got here
Shiraishi was convicted in 2020 for the brutal murders of eight women and one man in 2017. His crimes shocked Japan, as he lured victims through social media, offering assistance with their suicidal intentions. The execution comes amid ongoing debates about capital punishment in Japan, especially following the acquittal of Iwao Hakamada, the longest-serving death-row inmate.
Go deeper
- What were the details of Shiraishi's crimes?
- How does public opinion in Japan view the death penalty?
- What are the implications of this execution for future policies?
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What Happened with the 'Twitter Killer' Takahiro Shiraishi in Japan?
Takahiro Shiraishi, infamously known as the 'Twitter killer,' was executed in Japan on June 27, 2025. His case has sparked widespread discussion about the implications of social media on crime and the ongoing debates surrounding capital punishment in Japan. Here, we explore the details of his crimes, the reactions to his execution, and the broader societal impacts.
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