Tokyo Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church

In a landmark decision, a Tokyo court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. This ruling marks a significant moment in Japanese legal history, as it is the first time a religious organization has been ordered to disband since the end of World War II.

The decision comes after numerous allegations of the church's coercive fundraising tactics and psychological manipulation of its members. The court's ruling was influenced by the public outcry following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose alleged assassin cited grievances against the church as his motive.

The Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon in South Korea, has faced scrutiny worldwide but has been particularly controversial in Japan. The church's activities have been linked to political scandals and have been accused of causing financial ruin for many families.

This ruling could set a precedent for how religious organizations are regulated in Japan, potentially affecting other groups that engage in similar practices. The church plans to appeal the decision, indicating that the legal battle may continue.

• Japan
• Shinzo Abe
• Tokyo
• Unification Church

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