Japan: Cult chemist appeals death sentence

Ireland On-Line/August 24, 2006

A chemist sentenced to death for leading a doomsday group’s efforts to develop nerve gas used in a 1995 attack on the Tokyo underground rail network that killed 12 people has lodged an appeal with Japan’s top court.

Masami Tsuchiya (aged 41), was convicted of murder and attempted murder in the gassing and other attacks by the cult Aum Shinrikyo.

Tsuchiya is accused of heading the group’s drive to develop an arsenal of chemical weapons – including VX, mustard and sarin gases – intended to trigger Armageddon.