[ Although "disbanded" is the term being used, it does not mean that Aum members will not be allowed to gather on their own. It refers to revoking the state's recognition of Aum as an official religion. This involves a great deal more than just loosing their tax-free status, however. It could also force the group to forfeit much of their property. I'll post more information on this as it becomes available. -- TR ]
Police added Shigeyuki Hasegawa's name to the nationwide most wanted list on suspicion of speeding on May 13 of last year.
Police said today that from the documents seized from nationwide Aum facilities and the chemical and mechanical equipment found there, that Aum has probably been producing firearms since the spring of 1994 and began experimental production of sarin around the same time. However, almost one month of raids on close to 200 Aum- related sites and over 200 arrests have not revealed sarin, a firearm, or a single round of ammunition.
Day 32: April 22 - Link to Subway Poisoning and Sarin at Disneyland
The device in question device if fully automatic and capable of measuring a liquid, inserting into a plastic bag, and then sealing it. The machine is commonly used in food packaging. Several bags similar to those used in the subway attacks were found at the compound several weeks ago.
The Baltimore Sun reported that a gas attack on Disneyland had been foiled. According to the paper, two Japanese men affiliated with Aum Shinri Kyo were arrested in Los Angeles International Airport with instructions on how to make sarin and a videotape detailing the attack. The FBI has refused comment on the case.
After 33 days of continuous raids, the MPD today allowed local administrative authorities to begin searching the Aum compound in Kamikuishiki. Local authorities stated that they suspect Aum of being in violation of several local fire safety and building codes.
The Daily Yomiuri today blasted television news coverage of the Aum investigation. The article stated that the news blitz was making the police investigation more difficult and causing confusion in Japanese society. It blasted the television media for giving Aum spokesmen air time, and "reporting Aum positions without sufficiently questioning them."