The defense for a man charged with murder and other offenses in the thallium poisoning death of a female university student plans to argue that he is not guilty, 読売新聞 reports. The case concerns allegations that the defendant caused the student to ingest highly toxic thallium, resulting in her death.
The first hearing is scheduled for November 26 at Osaka District Court, according to 産経新聞 and other outlets. A verdict is expected on March 19, and the proceedings are set to run for a total of 32 sessions, TBS NEWS DIG reports.
The defendant has reportedly remained silent during the investigation, and it is not yet clear what he will say when the trial opens. The case has drawn attention in part because of the substance involved: thallium is described in the reporting as strongly toxic.
The reports do not detail the evidence the prosecution intends to present or the basis for the defense's position, and no further information about the charges or the defendant's identity has been provided in the source material.
What to watch next: the opening hearing on November 26, where the defense is expected to formally enter its not guilty plea and the court will begin hearing the case.
