The contentious Unification Church, which came under fire following the shocking death of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, has been ordered to dissolve by a Japanese court.
The accused assassin had admitted that he had a grudge against Abe because of the former leader’s affiliation with the church; he accused the church of being responsible for his family’s financial ruin.
The ministry of education and culture in Japan demanded the church’s disbandment, claiming it had deceived adherents into making large gifts and other monetary sacrifices.
However, the church—more often referred to as the “Moonies”—argued that the donations were a part of valid religious endeavors. It may file an appeal to reverse Tuesday’s decision.
