The court said the church had manipulated followers into making substantial financial contributions, prompting Japan's education and culture ministry to push for its dissolution. The alleged assassin of Abe claimed that his animosity towards the former leader stemmed from the church’s impact on his family’s financial struggles. Despite the ruling, the church retains the ability to appeal and may continue its operations while losing its tax-exempt status and being forced to liquidate its assets.
Authorities revealed that the church coerced members into expensive purchases, exploiting fears about their spiritual well-being. An investigation that included interviews with nearly 200 individuals who claimed victimization has led to increased scrutiny of the church, which has been present in Japan since the 1960s.
Established by Sun Myung Moon, the church has faced controversies related to its teachings, including mass wedding ceremonies and the necessity of marriage for spiritual salvation. In recent times, around 200 former followers have demanded compensation totaling approximately 5.7 billion yen ($38.5 million), according to legal representatives.
The investigations following Abe's death unveiled extensive connections between the secretive sect and lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), leading to the resignation of four ministers. An internal LDP assessment found that 179 of its 379 lawmakers had varying degrees of interaction with the Unification Church, igniting public uproar over the revelations.
Authorities revealed that the church coerced members into expensive purchases, exploiting fears about their spiritual well-being. An investigation that included interviews with nearly 200 individuals who claimed victimization has led to increased scrutiny of the church, which has been present in Japan since the 1960s.
Established by Sun Myung Moon, the church has faced controversies related to its teachings, including mass wedding ceremonies and the necessity of marriage for spiritual salvation. In recent times, around 200 former followers have demanded compensation totaling approximately 5.7 billion yen ($38.5 million), according to legal representatives.
The investigations following Abe's death unveiled extensive connections between the secretive sect and lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), leading to the resignation of four ministers. An internal LDP assessment found that 179 of its 379 lawmakers had varying degrees of interaction with the Unification Church, igniting public uproar over the revelations.
