The defense counsel for Aum Shinrikyo founder Shoko Asahara cross-examined a former Aum follower Friday who was allegedly involved in making a spray device used in the June 1994 sarin gas attack in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.
Kozo Fujinaga, 37, a witness for the prosecution, detailed before the Tokyo District Court how he was involved in manufacturing the device, stressing he was just one of the cultists who blindly followed the orders of higher-ranking members, and did not know the purpose of the device.
Fujinaga also testified at Asahara's 89th trial session that he was involved in making four spray devices of two different types, including one that was allegedly used in the Matsumoto attack. The attack killed seven people and injured several hundred.
Fujinaga, who was put on trial for his participation in the attack, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the Matsumoto incident in both district and high court rulings. He is appealing to the Supreme Court.