NEWS CENTRAL AFRICA




 

Japan is on the verge of formally dissolving the Unification Church, stripping it of legal recognition and tax-exempt status following accusations of financial exploitation and child neglect.

The controversial sect, founded in South Korea and widely known as the “Moonies,” has been under scrutiny since the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Authorities blame the church for pressuring followers into massive donations, with some estimates suggesting Japanese members have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars over the decades.

Nearly 200 former members seek 5.7 billion yen ($38.5 million) in damages.

 

The church’s looming dissolution would mark just the third time Japan has taken such action against a religious group, following the disbandment of the Aum Shinrikyo cult responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack.

However, legal appeals could delay the process for up to a year. Critics fear the church may transfer assets overseas, complicating efforts to compensate victims.

Despite the loss of its official status, the Unification Church could still operate, though experts believe its influence and membership will decline significantly.