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The trial of Shoko Asahara, leader of Aum Shrini Kyo (Supreme Truth Sect) has been the biggest in Japan's post-World War II history and has lasted seven years already. Asahara, 48, is accused of the subway attack, which killed 12 and injured more than 5,000 on five subway trains, as well as 12 other charges, including a separate nerve gas attack in Matsumoto in 1994 that left seven dead. Closing their case, prosecutors called on the Tokyo District Court to hand down the harshest possible punishment for Asahara. "The seriousness of the crime is unprecedented in this country. It was indiscriminate terrorism, and it is the most atrocious and nasty offence in the history of crimes," the several-hundred-page closing document said. "There is no room to consider leniency." Asahara, who once claimed more than 10,000 followers and whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The bearded cult leader has alternated between aggressive outbursts and sullen silence, but on Thursday, he sat emotionless. Japan's judicial system has been criticised for being too slow, with judges often taking years to reach verdicts. Prosecutors in the Asahara case dropped four counts to speed things up, but a verdict is not expected until March next year. Asahara's defence team is set to make its final arguments in October. An appeal could add more years to proceedings. Even Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi joined in the criticism over the judicial process on Thursday. "Seven years is far too long. Isn't there any way to make this shorter?" he told reporters. Ashara established his cult in 987, combining aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism and convincing his followers he was the incarnation of Siva, a god of destruction and regeneration. At one point, there were as many as 15,000 Aum followers. As of last December, Japan's Public Security Investigation Agency said there were still more than 1,600 followers. Japan's parliament passed laws in 1999 to allow authorities to place cult members under strict surveillance amid fears the sect was making a comeback.
Originally posted by den4
AUM = Animated Universal M-o-r-o-n-s
Aum Shinrikyo founder Shoko Asahara was sentenced to death Friday for ordering a series of crimes carried out by his disciples, including the March 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack.
The widely expected sentence was handed down by the Tokyo District Court after a trial lasting seven years and 10 months. Asahara, 48, stood accused on 13 counts in connection with crimes that caused 27 deaths.
The counsel for the guru, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto, immediately filed an appeal.
Golgo_13 said:Good. The bastard deserves it.
The great thing about the death penalty in Japan is it's carried out pretty quickly compared to the U.S., and no one has a problem with it since the penalty is usually given to only brutal and/or mass murderers.
just dont get all things mixed up.hua he said:Damn, I wonder what Asia has become.
Many Muslims turn into extremists, some Chinese set up those stupid FALUN GONG, Japan has Aum Shinrikyo......
By the way, shinri means "true knowledge", then what does Aum means.