AUM founder's execution opens door for more debate into death penalty

While the execution of AUM Shinrikyo cult founder Shoko Asahara and the group's former senior members may have drawn the curtain on a string of crimes that shocked Japan, it opens the door for society to engage in further debate about the death penalty.At a time when the global trend is toward abolishing capital punishment, Japan's death penalty system has sparked international criticism, especially over the secrecy surrounding its executions, and prompted critics to push for its abolition.Even so, Friday's execution of the seven death row inmates including Asahara reflected the Justice Min…READ FULL ARTICLE