World IN BRIEF : JAPAN : Low-Key Services Mark Gas Attack

Low-key events today marked one year since Tokyo’s crowded subways became the target of a nerve gas attack. Six subway stations that were scenes of collapsing commuters, gas suit-clad soldiers and screaming ambulance sirens on March 20 of last year held quiet memorial services at makeshift altars to offer flowers for the 12 people killed in the attack. Another 5,500 were injured, and three of those have not regained consciousness. Cult guru Shoko Asahara’s trial in connection with the sarin gas attack will start April 26. He and dozens of his followers could be sentenced to death if convicted.