WEB DESK
The European Union and its member states have criticized Japan for the executions of the former leader of the Aum Shinrikyo cult and 6 of his former disciples.
The Delegation of the European Union to Japan and ambassadors of European nations issued a joint statement on Friday.
The statement says that the diplomats recognize this is a particularly painful and unique case for Japan and its citizens.
It also says that they convey their heartfelt sympathy, share the suffering of the victims and their families, and absolutely condemn terrorist attacks, whoever the perpetrators and for whatever reason.
However, the document says the death penalty is cruel and inhuman, and fails to act as a deterrent to crime.
It says that errors are inevitable in any legal system and are irreversible, calling on the Japanese government to adopt a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing them.