Japan cult leader 'needs care'

Asahara remained largely silent throughout his trial

The family of Shoko Asahara, jailed for leading the Japanese cult that gassed the Tokyo subway in 1995, says that he is mentally ill and needs treatment.

His relatives have filed a petition with the Tokyo District Court to have him moved from prison to a hospital.

Asahara, who has spent a decade in detention, mumbled unintelligibly and made unexplained gestures during his trial.

The sarin gas attack in 1995 killed 12 people and injured thousands more.

SHOKO ASAHARA 1955 - Born in Yatsushiro, real name Chizuo Matsumoto 1987 - Starts Aum Shinrikyo 1994 - First sarin attack 1995 - Tokyo subway attack 1996 - Goes on trial 2004 - Trial ends Profile of Shoko Asahara A commute like no other

Asahara, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto, was sentenced to death in February 2004 after he was found guilty of 13 charges of murder and attempted murder.

He is appealing the verdict, but the trial has reportedly been stalled because his lawyer says it is impossible to communicate with him.

Eleven other Aum members have received death sentences, though none have been executed pending appeals.