A Japanese court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church following an investigation into its ties to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. The decision marks the first time a religious group in Japan has lost its legal status under civil law. Authorities found the church engaged in manipulative fundraising practices, pressuring followers to make large donations. The ruling follows public scrutiny over the church’s political influence and controversial activities. This move places the Unification Church alongside previously banned groups like Aum Shinrikyo, responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack.
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Japanese Court Disbands Unification Church in Wake of Abe Killing
The assassination in 2022 of Shinzo Abe, the country’s former prime minister, led to an investigation into the group’s political ties and manipulation of its followers to raise funds.
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Japan disbands controversial Unification Church after investigation into Shinzo Abe’s killing
The Unification Church is the first religious group in Japan to face a revocation order under civil law. Two other groups have lost their status previously but due to criminal cases – Aum Shinrikyo, which carried out the Tokyo subway sarin attack, and Myokakuji, whose leaders were convicted of fraud.
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Japan court strips 'Moonies' Church of legal recognition
A Japanese court ordered on March 25 that a religious sect be stripped of official recognition, the government said, in the wake of the assassination of ex-premier Shinzo Abe.
