Aoba Shinji
Aoba Shinji, the man charged with committing arson at a Japanese animation studio in which thirty-six employees of Kyoto Animation were killed and 32 others were injured, will stand trial starting September 5.
The Kyoto District Court will hold 32 sessions before issuing a ruling on January 25, 2023. Aoba was indicted on charges of murder and arson in July 2019. The court, prosecutors, and Aoba's defense team have begun pre-trial proceedings to narrow down key issues and evidence. Aoba's mental state at the time of the arson is expected to be a point of contention.
Prosecutors conducted a psychiatric evaluation before the indictment and concluded that he is mentally fit to be held criminally responsible. A second evaluation was held later at the request of his defense team.
The arson attack was the deadliest murder case in Japan since 1989.
Source: NHK