Japan cult boss petition rejected
By Chris Hogg
BBC News, Tokyo
"The Japanese cult leader who masterminded the sarin gas attack on the
Tokyo subway 11 years ago is a step closer to being executed.
Shoko Asahara's lawyers had attempted to overturn a High Court
decision to reject their appeal against his death sentence.
Their petition has been dismissed, leaving them few other options to
prevent Asahara being put to death.
Twelve people died and more than 5,500 others were hurt in the sarin
attack.
The Aum Shinrikyo cult was found to be responsible.
After a trial lasting many years, the cult's leader, Shoko Asahara,
was found guilty for his role in the attack and sentenced to death.
Asahara never gave evidence in court. His defence team and his family
say his mental state has declined after years of incarceration in
solitary confinement.
They believe he has no idea what is going on.
Supreme Court decision
In March, his lawyers missed a deadline to file an appeal on their
client's behalf because they said it was impossible to communicate
with him.
The High Court rejected their explanations for the delay. A
court-appointed doctor believes Asahara does understand what is
happening.
The defence filed an objection. That objection has now been rejected.
The defence now has five days to attempt to get the Supreme Court to
hear the case.
If those efforts are rejected, Asahara could be put to death without
delay."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/5028916.stm
Published: 2006/05/30 09:16:26 GMT
© BBC MMVI
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