Shinji Aoba, responsible for the incendiary attack on studies Kyoto Animation In 2019, he has decided to withdraw his appeal to avoid the death penaltyas reported by the Osaka Prefecture Court of Appeals. With this, the final sentence is confirmed by one of the worst mass murder in the recent history of Japan.
Aoba, 46, was sentenced to death in January 2024 by the District Court of Tokyo, after their actions ended in the death of 36 people within the renowned anime study. The court determined that the subject was mentally competent to be tried for his actions. Although his defense had initially appealed the conviction, Aoba decided to withdraw the appeal this week.
The attack occurred on July 18, 2019, when Aoba entered the Kyoto Animation building at 10:30 am, where 70 people worked. Aoba set fire to the study using gasoline, causing the death of 36 people and wounding 32 more. The subject confessed his participation in the crime, but the trial focused on whether he was mentally well to be considered criminally responsible.
Aoba justified the attack ensuring that he did it because he thought that Kyoto Animation had plagiarized a novel that had sent to a contest organized by the study. His defense asked for a milder sentence, claiming that he was not in their right mind due to his delusions. However, the court recognized that although Aoba suffered from a delusional disorder, his actions were not seriously affected by it.
The relatives of the victims have shown a mixture of anger and sadness for the situation. Megumu Ono's grandfather, one of the victims, said that although he feels some relief, he still does not feel satisfied with the process. “I don't know if this is an apology, but I feel some relief“He said. On the other hand, Ono's grandmother continues to ask why Aoba is still alive, since she prays for her granddaughter every morning and night.
Kyoto Animation, known by Anime as “K-on!” and “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”, remains one of the most important producers in the industry. The attack on the study left a deep mark on fans and the families of the victims. And this news did not go unnoticed:
- «The defendant's death will not pay his crime».
- «I know there is no other option, but doctors made an incredible effort to keep it alive».
- «Finally, although it has taken a long time. The people who died will not return, but I pray for their eternal rest».
- «It seems that he regrets his actions, but continues to believe he was plagiarized. I want you to realize the truth before they execute it».
- «There was no other possible sentence, but the reason behind the attack has been completely clarified?».
- «Finally, it was time».
- «Wasn't your death sentence confirmed? Too late!».
- «Thanks to the medical professionals who helped him, so he could face his crimes».
- «Will this finally come to an end?».
- «It all depends on when it is executed».
Fountain: Hachima Kikou
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(Tagstotranslate) Kyoto-Animation
