# 4 Why did our father possibly develop a feeling of distrust in "attorneys"?

This happened at the time of the 13th public trial of the first court on October 18, 1996.  When the defense attorney began cross-examination of Mr. Inoue who stood as a prosecutors' witness, our father restrained cross-examination by the "defense attorney," asking to "please do not cross-examine."  As Mr. Inoue gave "testimony" along with prosecutors' story that connected our father with the sarin gas attack on the subway system, his "testimony" would be accepted as a fact at the trial unless there was cross-examination.  The defense attorney requested adjournment to the Court to discuss with our father; however the Court did not accept it and cross-examination eventually continued at the discretion of defense attorney.  In view of defense attorneys, they were probably unable to leave our father who was trying to submit to Mr. Inoue's "testimony" based on his religious belief.

Entering in November, our father began to be mentally disoriented and stopped being able to meet his defense attorneys.

The defense attorneys for the appeal trial feared the possibility of refusing "attorneys" in general on our father's own will.  However, as far as communication with him did not make sense, there was no way to confirm whether or not he was malingering, was avoiding attorneys in general, or was truly ill.

Defense attorneys for the second court ran into a brick wall.

#3 Distrust or illness…..?

The defense attorneys began to be able to interview our father; however conversation with him was not possible as he was not in the condition of being able to communicate.

”We won’t be able to write even one line.  Mr. Asahara might not even understand that he is in an interview room and there is an attorney in front of him.  Or else, he might not be trusting attorneys.”

Attorney Matsui hesitantly mentioned this, trying to be mindful to us.  We imagine that the Attorney might have already had a concrete idea that “Mr. Asahara may be truly ill.”  However, it was not possible to deny the idea that our father does not trust anyone working as an “attorney.”