Matsumoto at critical point.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun/Daily Yomiuri)

Matsumoto at critical point

Tsukasa Kinoshita / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Yomiuri

The trial of Aum Supreme Truth cult leader Chizuo Matsumoto has reached a critical juncture with Monday's release of an expert's opinion recognizing the competence of the accused to stand trial at the Tokyo High Court.

However, almost two years after the cult founder was first condemned to death by a lower court, the death sentence may well be upheld without any hearing at the high court.

Monday's letter of the expert opinion, authored by the court-appointed Akira Nishiyama, was received as an …