Possible death sentence awaited in Japan anime arson trial

A Japanese man who admitted starting a fire that killed 36 people at an anime studio in 2019 faces a possible death sentence on Thursday when a court delivers its verdict. Shinji Aoba faces five charges including murder, attempted murder and arson and prosecutors are seeking capital punishment.

Many of those killed in the blaze were young staff and more than 30 others were injured. Aoba himself nearly died in the fire, suffering 90-percent burns and reportedly needing 12 operations. Aoba has admitted he committed the attack, though his lawyers have entered a plea of not guilty due to mental illness.