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news.com.au network Source: AFP 11apr03
A public security source in Tokyo said Joyu, 40, was trying to "tighten the reins on followers there" to prevent them leaving the cult even if the death penalty for Asahara was asked.
Apart from murmuring incoherently, Asahara has made virtually no statement at his trial --- which opened in April 1996 --- since January 1998 when he denied masterminding the gas attack and he has often appeared to doze during proceedings.