Japan: Woman arrested for allegedly sewing roommate's lips shut

Japanese police arrested a 49-year-old woman near Tokyo on suspicion of assault after she allegedly sewed her 42-year-old roommate's lips shut. The shocking incident has caused widespread concern in the country.

The victim managed to escape the residence in Koga city and sought assistance at a neighboring store, holding a piece of paper with the word "Help." Local police in Ibaraki Prefecture, where Koga is located, apprehended the suspect, Masayuki Sakurai, on Monday.

According to authorities, Sakurai shared the residence with the victim at the time of the alleged assault on June 29. She is accused of sewing the woman's lips "with needle and thread." The victim told police that the suspect "became enraged after an argument and sewed my lips," public broadcaster NHK reported.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident and unconfirmed reports suggest a third person may have also resided in the home. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and any other individuals involved.

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became enraged after an argument and sewed my lips