July 12, 2025

Japanese court orders Unification Church disbandment over Shinzo Abe assassination link

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A Tokyo district court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church, a controversial religious group, over its alleged ties to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The 2022 killing of Abe shocked Japan and led to intense scrutiny of the church, also known as the “Moonies.” The suspect, during interrogation, claimed he held a personal grudge against Abe due to the former leader’s association with the church. He blamed the group for financially ruining his family through manipulative donation practices.

Following these revelations, Japan’s education and culture ministry sought the church’s dissolution, accusing it of exploiting followers by coercing them into making large financial contributions under the guise of spiritual well-being.

On Tuesday, the court issued a ruling to strip the church of its tax-exempt status and force it to liquidate its assets. However, the Unification Church maintains that its donation practices are legitimate religious activities and has the option to appeal the decision.

Founded in South Korea by Sun Myung Moon, the Unification Church has been active in Japan since the 1960s, often linked to controversial fundraising tactics.

Authorities found that members were pressured into purchasing expensive religious items, further intensifying calls for its ban.

With this ruling, Japan takes a historic step in confronting religious financial exploitation, setting a legal precedent that could impact other organizations engaging in similar practices.

 

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