Japan Prosecutors Begin Laying Out Case Against Guru
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TOKYO — Prosecutors today accused a cult leader of ordering a nerve gas attack on Tokyo’s subways because he feared a police raid.
The prosecutors began laying out their case a day after cult guru Shoko Asahara refused to enter a plea to charges he masterminded the March 20, 1995, attack that killed 11 people and sickened more than 5,500.
Asahara planned the attack as a diversionary tactic designed to “set off massive confusion in the Tokyo area,” the prosecutors said.
The prosecutors said the leader of the Aum Supreme Truth cult had preached that murder on his orders was a religious act.
“If a guru orders murder, that person . . . has already reached a time to die,” they quoted Asahara as telling his followers.
Asahara was expressionless during today’s session.
Under Japanese law, the proceedings will continue despite Asahara’s refusal Wednesday to make a plea.
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