BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Japan cult 'to compensate victims'

Twelve people died in the gas attack

Twelve people died and more than 5,000 were injured when Aum members released sarin gas during morning rush hour.

On Tuesday, the group said 21 followers had set up a software company in Tokyo in August and planned to start operations this month.

"By running a company, we hope to boost our efforts in raising funds to compensate our victims," Aum said in a statement.

Before it renounced violence, Aum Shinrikyo earned millions of dollars from computer companies. Police investigations following the 1995 attack revealed the group had supplied software to the police and defence agencies as well as a number of prominent Japanese companies.

Pay outs

Several cult members have been sentenced to hang for their part in the subway attack.

Aum founder Shoko Asahara, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto, has been in custody since May 1995 while his trial on multiple charges, including murder and masterminding the subway attack, continues.

In December 1999 the group admitted its role in the gassing. Since then it has paid $2.45m (303.5 million yen) in compensation to its victims, said Tuesday's statement.

The group also said it was working to help the victims of the 11 September terror attacks in New York and Washington.

"We are urging our followers and former followers to cooperate and do their utmost in donating money and relief products", the statement said.