Japanese cult leader sentenced to death

The Tokyo gas attack made thousands unwell

A former leader of the Aum Shinrikyo, or Supreme Truth Cult, has been sentenced to death in Japan for his involvement in a series of murders, including the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo underground.

Tomomitsu Niimi, "home affairs minister" of the cult, was found guilty in seven murder cases and two attempted murder cases that took place between 1989 and 1995.

Cult guru Shoko Asahara is still on trial

At the beginning of his trial in 1996, Niimi refused to enter pleas and pledged eternal loyalty to Aum guru Shoko Asahara, who is accused of masterminding the attack on the underground.

Niimi is since reported to have admitted to all the charges against him, except the one relating to the sarin gas attack, which killed 12 people and left thousands ill.

'Following orders'

He allegedly said he was following Mr Asahara's orders and should not be sentenced to death.

Mr Asahara is still on trial for the attack on the underground.

Niimi was also found guilty of helping to organise the killing of lawyer Tsutsuni Sakamoto and his wife and son. Mr Sakamoto was one of the first to question the group's activities.

Aum Shinrikyo

Eight Aum followers so far sentenced to death but none executed

Cult renamed Aleph and claims it is now benign

Has about 1,000 lay followers and 650 followers in cult communes

Predicted an apocalypse that only cult members would survive

Thought to raise most funds from computer software business it runs

Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for 11 cult members. Eight have been sentenced, but some have appealed and none of the sentences have been carried out.

Niimi is also expected to appeal the verdict.

Lawyers for Mr Asahara - whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto - are not expected to end their submissions until next year.

Aum Shinrikyo has since changed its name to Aleph and claims to have renounced violence.

But Japanese security agencies announced last month that they were renewing their three-year surveillance of the cult as they believe it remains a threat.