Former Aum Shinrikyo member Katsuya Takahashi, who is awaiting trial, continues to behave as if brainwashed and apparently still adheres to the cult's teachings, a social psychologist has told reporters.
"He is still influenced by the doctrine and looked like a believer," said Rissho University professor Kimiaki Nishida, who met Takahashi at a detention center.
"The fear of a cult lies in being unable to be free of brainwashing despite leading a social life for a long time."