A 49-year-old woman has been arrested in Japan after allegedly sewing her partner’s lips shut with a needle and thread in a shocking abuse case that left the victim unable to eat or speak.
The 42-year-old victim endured the ordeal at the couple’s home in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on June 29. According to Japanese media, she suffered in silence for an entire day before seizing an opportunity to escape when the suspect left the house the following day.
Unable to call for help because her mouth had been stitched closed, the traumatised woman stumbled into a nearby shop and handed a trembling note to a staff member that read: “Please help me.” The employee immediately contacted the police.
Investigators said the victim had been living with the suspect, identified as Masae Sakurai, since April last year. She later told police that she had been too frightened to escape earlier.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries.
Police in Koga arrested the suspect on July 6 on suspicion of causing bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed whether she has admitted to the allegations, and investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the case are ongoing.
A neighbour told local media they had little interaction with the suspect and believed she was simply reserved, adding they were shocked to learn of the alleged abuse.
