AOMORI (TR) – Aomori Prefectural Police have referred a nurse to prosecutors for allegedly illegally restraining two patients — including a 73-year-old man who was subsequently murdered — at a hospital here, investigative sources revealed on July 31, reports Kyodo News (Aug. 3).
The allegations stem from a shocking 2023 scandal at the Michinoku Memorial Hospital in Hachinohe City, where hospital executives attempted to cover up a fatal attack by one patient against another.
According to a criminal complaint, on March 12, 2023 — the day of the murder — the nurse acted on their own authority to tie the 73-year-old victim’s hands to his bed rails with a string, claiming the man was “acting violently.” Following the fatal attack, the nurse also allegedly unlawfully restrained the perpetrator between March 12 and 13.
On July 31, police sent papers on the nurse to prosecutors on suspicion of unlawful arrest and confinement.
Police also referred former hospital director Takashi Ishiyama, 63, and his brother Tetsu, 61, to prosecutors on suspicion of aiding and abetting the confinement by turning a blind eye to the nurse’s illegal actions.
Takashi Ishiyama has already been convicted of concealing a criminal in relation to the initial murder cover-up. Tetsu, who served as the murdered victim’s attending physician, is currently on trial for the same charge.
The perpetrator of the murder is currently serving a finalized 17-year prison sentence.
The latest police action follows a formal criminal complaint filed by university professors in June.
