Doomsday Cult Takes Responsibility for Attacks in Japan
The doomsday cult behind the deadly gassing in Tokyo’s subway took responsibility Wednesday for a string of attacks, but victims’ relatives dismissed it as a self-serving move.
“We now offer our sincere apology for the victims and their family members,” acting leader Tatsuko Muraoka said in a statement, adding that Aum Supreme Truth will offer “as much compensation as possible.”
The group had not previously admitted its culpability. Former guru Shoko Asahara is on trial for masterminding at least 17 crimes, including the Tokyo sarin nerve gassing that killed 12 and sickened thousands in March 1995.
A bill in parliament--expected to become law--would provide for monitoring groups that have committed mass murder.
The threat of such scrutiny is probably what prompted the apology, victims’ relatives said.
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