Japanese Court Dissolves Unification Church Amid Controversy

A Japanese court has ruled to dissolve the Unification Church, following the government's request. This decision will strip the church of its tax-exempt status, forcing it to liquidate assets. The ruling came after allegations of manipulative practices, affecting followers and their families, were brought forward.

A Japanese court has issued a significant ruling to dissolve the Unification Church, responding to a government request to revoke the church's legal status, as reported by NHK television.

The decision by the Tokyo District Court means that the church will be stripped of its tax-exempt privileges and will be required to liquidate its assets. Despite this setback, the church retains the option to appeal the decision in higher courts.

This ruling follows Japan's Education Ministry's October 2023 request to dissolve the South Korea-based sect, citing its manipulative fundraising and recruitment practices that have instilled fear in followers and disrupted their families.

(With inputs from agencies.)