Japan executes the cult leader behind 1995 subway gas attack

TOKYO-Doomsday Cult Leader Shoko Asahara and Several Followers were executed Friday for their roles in a deadly 1995 other crimes, Japanese media reported.

The top Japanese government spokesman confirmed Asahara's execution would not comment on the others. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that the justice ministry would make an announcement later Friday

Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that six followers were also hanged, citing unidentified sources. In all, 12 followers had been on death row with Asahara for the crimes, which killed 27 people. Asahara was 63 years old.

The 1995 subway attack was the most audacious. Members of the his Aum Shinrikyo cult punctured plastic bags to release sarin nerve gas cars, killing 13 people and sickening more than 6,000.

Founded in 1984, the cult attracted many young people, even graduates of top universities, whom Asahara hand-picked as close aids.

The cult of an arsenal of chemical, biological and chemical weapons to carry out Asahara's escalating criminal orders in anticipation of an apocalyptic showdown with the government.

The cult claimed 10,000 members in Japan 30,000 in Russia.