THE Japanese cult leader, Shoko Asahara, saying he had no concern for his life, refused to enter a plea on the opening day of his murder trial yesterday.
The leader of Aum Shinri Kyo (Supreme Truth Sect) is accused of masterminding gas attacks on five Tokyo underground trains which killed II people and injured about 5,500. Ten of his disciples have been accused of releasing sarin nerve gas on the trains during the morning rush hour on March 20th last year.
The trial opened amid massive security. Thousands of people queued for courtroom seats, eager to catch a glimpse of the man who has become perhaps the biggest, and most notorious, celebrity in the country.
Asahara (41) turned the opening minutes of the trial into an argument about whether he could wear his sect clothes and use his cult name.
Then, in the climax of the day's proceedings six hours later, he declined to plead either guilty or not guilty to the charges of murder, attempted murder and illegal drug production. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of death by hanging.
"I have no concern for the fact that I have been denied liberty or that I have been placed under pain. I have no concerns for my life. I have nothing else to say, he replied when asked for his plea.
Asahara, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto, described his occupation as lender of Aum Shinri Kyo. He also refused to acknowledge his real name and told the panel of three judges he had forgotten his address.
Pressed to give his legal name, Asahara said he "couldn't remember" and also said he could not remember his address.
Chief Judge Fumihiro Abe rejected a defence request that Asahara should be allowed to wear his long white religious robes instead of the dark blue prison tracksuit in which he was dressed.
Prosecutors objected, saying the robes had a "religious meaning" and would influence cult witnesses.
The defence team for the trial, which could take up to five years, comprises 12 lawyers appointed by the court. There are eight prosecutors.