Japan

National Police on alert against potential retaliation following Asahara’s execution

The Japan Times, July 6, 2018; Police and security personnel were on alert Friday for any possible retaliation following the execution of Aum Shinrikyo cult founder Shoko Asahara and six of his followers.

“I believe that police authorities will take every step,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference when asked about preparedness for possible reactions from those who are still followers of Asahara.

Aum Shinrikyo leader Shoko Asahara has been executed

Two decades after deadly sarin attack on Tokyo's subway in 1995 by Aum Shinrikyo, its leader Shoko Asahara was executed on July 6.

Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga confirmed the hanging of Shoko Asahara.

According to The Guardian, “The justice ministry did not immediately confirm that Asahara had been hanged, while the public broadcaster NHK said six other senior cult members were due to be executed the same day.”

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