The Japan Times, July 6, 2018; Police and security personnel were on alert Friday for any possible retaliation following the execution of Aum Shinrikyo cult founder Shoko Asahara and six of his followers.
“I believe that police authorities will take every step,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference when asked about preparedness for possible reactions from those who are still followers of Asahara.
The Justice Ministry said the government had hanged Asahara, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto, and six others on death row in connection with the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system and other criminal acts.
Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera also told reporters that ministries and agencies will work closely to prevent further crimes by any of Asahara’s followers.
Noting that the Ground Self-Defense Force’s chemical protection units were deployed to address the Tokyo subway attack, Onodera said GSDF personnel have experience in dealing with terrorism.
“We will improve response capability so that we can swiftly handle possible terrorism,” he said.
Olympics minister Shunichi Suzuki said he hopes the executions will remind the public of the horror of terrorism and the importance of preventive measures in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
