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Japan cult boss loses last appeal Japan cult boss loses last appeal
(10 minutes later)
Japan's Supreme Court has rejected a final appeal by the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult leader Shoko Asahara, paving the way for his execution.Japan's Supreme Court has rejected a final appeal by the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult leader Shoko Asahara, paving the way for his execution.
Asahara was convicted in 2004 of masterminding a 1995 attack when his followers released sarin nerve gas on commuter trains in Tokyo.Asahara was convicted in 2004 of masterminding a 1995 attack when his followers released sarin nerve gas on commuter trains in Tokyo.
Twelve people died and more than 5,500 others were hurt in the attack, which hit rush hour commuters.Twelve people died and more than 5,500 others were hurt in the attack, which hit rush hour commuters.
The Aum Shinrikyo cult was found to be responsible.The Aum Shinrikyo cult was found to be responsible.
Asahara was sentenced to death in February 2004 after a trial lasting eight years.
Last month, a court upheld the death sentence for the cult's alleged second in command, a chemist who oversaw the development of the nerve gas.
Altogether, 12 cult members have been sentenced to death, but none of the sentences have yet been carried out.
The cult changed its name to Aleph in 2000 and has renounced violence, but is still heavily monitored by police.