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Letter by man accused of Japan stabbing carried a warning
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Police investigators work at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a facility for the disabled where a number of people were killed and dozens injured in a knife attack in Sagamihara, outside Tokyo July 26. (AP/Eugene Hoshiko)
T
he 26-year-old man accused of carrying out a mass stabbing Tuesday at a Japanese facility for the mentally disabled that left 19 people dead had written a letter in February to parliament's lower house speaker, outlining what was similar to Tuesday's attack, and expressing his disturbing views. A translation follows:
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Dear Lower House Speaker Tadamori Oshima,
Thank you very much for reading this letter. I can wipe out a total of 470 disabled individuals.
I am fully aware that my remark is eccentric. However, thinking about the tired faces of guardians, the dull eyes of caregivers working at the facility, I am not able to contain myself, and so I decided to take action today for the sake of Japan and the world.
My reasoning is that I may be able to revitalize the world economy and I thought it may be possible to prevent World War III.
I envision a world where a person with multiple disabilities can be euthanized, with an agreement from the guardians, when it is difficult for the person to carry out household and social activities.
I believe there is still no answer about the way of life for individuals with multiple disabilities. The disabled can only create misery.
I think now is the time to carry out a revolution and to make the inevitable but tough decision for the sake of all mankind. Let Japan take the first big step.
Would Mr. Tadamori Oshima, who bears the world, use his power to make the world proceed in a better direction?
I sincerely hope you would deliver this message to Mr. Shinzo Abe.
This is the answer I reached after serious thinking about what I can do for humankind.
Dear Lower House Speaker Tadamori Oshima, would you lend your power for the sake of dear Japan and all humankind?
Please give this full consideration.
Satoshi Uematsu
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The Plot
It will be carried out during the night shift, when staffing is low.
The target will be two facilities where many multiply disabled people reside.
Staff on guard will be strapped with cable so they can't move and can't make contact with anyone outside.
The act will be carried out speedily, and definitely without harming the staff.
After wiping out the 260 people in two facilities, I will turn myself in.
In carrying out the act, I have several requests.
After my arrest, my incarceration should be up to two years, and please let me lead a free life afterward.
Innocence on grounds of insanity.
A new name (Takashi Iguro), government registration and documents such as a driver's license needed for everyday life.
A disguise for regular society through plastic surgery.
Financial aid of 500 million yen (US$5 million).
I would like these conditions to be promised.
If you can make your decision, I will carry it out at any time.
Please consider this fully for the sake of Japan and world peace.
I hope with all my heart that this can be discussed with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, although I am sorry to trouble him in an unimaginably busy schedule.
Satoshi Uematsu
(address, telephone number)
Worker at the Kanagawa Kyodokai
