For the first time since the trial of Aum Shinrikyo founder Shoko Asahara began at the Tokyo District Court about 3 1/2 years ago, there was no need Friday to draw straws for seats at the guru's hearing.
The day marked the 133rd hearing for the head cultist, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto.
When his trial opened on April 24, 1996, 12,292 people lined up for a chance at 52 seats, the largest figure on record. On Friday, there were exactly 52 people who wanted to sit in on the day's hearing.
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