Assassination of former Japanese prime minister in 2022 spurred official request for South Korean-based sect to be closedA court in Japan has ordered the Unification Church to be dissolved after a government request that was spurred by the investigation into the 2022 assassination of the former prime minister Shinzo Abe.The church, founded in South Korea and nicknamed the “Moonies” after its late founder, Sun Myung Moon, is accused of pressuring followers into making life-ruining donations, and blamed for child neglect among its members, although it has denied any wrongdoing. Continue reading...
A Tokyo court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification church, nicknamed the "Moonies," following a government request spurred by the investigation into Shinzo Abe's assassination. The church is accused of pressuring followers into making life-ruining donations and blamed for child neglect, allegations it denies. This revocation of legal status would eliminate tax-exempt privileges and require asset liquidation. The church calls the order unjust, citing a misinterpretation of the law, and is considering an appeal. The investigation into Abe's murder revealed ties between the church and Japan's Liberal Democratic party. The education ministry submitted extensive evidence of manipulative fundraising tactics and excessive donations, exceeding 20 billion yen, causing harm and deviating from religious group laws.
