In the twenty-second trial of the 2019 Arson Attack on Kyoto Animation's First Building case, which resulted in the tragic death of 36 people and left 32 others seriously injured, the prosecution requested the death penalty for Shinji Aoba, 45, the unemployed defendant charged with murder and other crimes. The hearing was held at the Kyoto District Court on December 7, and the prosecution noted that this was the largest number of victims in a murder case since the Heisei era.
The main focus of the debate was the defendant's capacity for criminal responsibility and its degree. The hearing concluded with the defense's closing arguments and the defendant's closing statements in the afternoon of the same day. The verdict is scheduled for January 25 of next year.
In previous trials, the prosecution maintained that the
defendant bore full responsibility for the crime. At the trial on
December 6, he clearly apologized to the affected families for the first time,
expressing his regret. The defense seeks acquittal or a reduced
sentence arguing that the defendant could not be held responsible at the time
of the incident.
This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the anime
industry, especially on Kyoto Animation, a renowned studio known for acclaimed
productions such as “Violet Evergarden” and “K-On!“, just to name
a few. The loss of life and the emotional impact on the anime community
have generated reflections on studio safety and the need for preventive
measures.
As for the death penalty in Japan, it is a controversial
issue. The country has faced international criticism for its continued practice
of capital punishment, and this case will intensify debate over the
effectiveness and ethics of this punitive measure. Society has always
been divided on the issue, with defenders arguing the need for severe sanctions
in extreme cases, while opponents advocate for the abolition of the death
penalty, highlighting concerns about the possibility of miscarriages of justice
and the violation of fundamental human rights.
Fuente: Livedoor News
