A Japanese court sentenced Shinji Aoba to death for his role in an arson attack on Kyoto Animation’s No. 1 studio in 2019, which resulted in the death of 36 people, Associated Press reports.
Aoba stormed the studio and set it on fire, believing the company had stolen novels he submitted for a contest and had sought revenge. The court found him mentally capable and noted that he had plotted the attack after studying past criminal cases, showing premeditation.
Despite his apology during the trial, the court found little hope for correction, and Aoba did not show sincere regret. Aoba, who was severely burned, argued he was mentally unfit, but the court rejected this defense.
Japan maintains the death penalty despite international criticism, and a government survey indicates a majority of the public supports executions.
