So far, prosecution for formal trial has been instituted against 189 persons in connection with the series of cases alleged to involve Aum Shinrikyo cult members, starting with the Sarin gas subway attack on March 20th, 1995. As of June 20th, 2000, sentences of the first instance have been handed down to 175 of these defendants, while the other 14 are still awaiting trial of the first instance. Of those who have been sentenced, 162 have received final sentences. This number breaks down into 158 defendants sentenced to imprisonment with labor, of whom 71 have been imprisoned and 87 (including 2 partially acquitted)have received suspended sentences, 3 sentenced with fines, and 1 acquitted. Death sentences have been handed down to 2 defendants, and 8 defendants, including these 2, are awaiting koso appeal hearings, and 5 others are awaiting jokoku appeal hearings(source:Criminal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice).