Unification Church Calls Tokyo Move A Violation Of Rights

The Unification Church defended itself against the government's request for a court order to revoke its religious corporation status, arguing that this move violates freedom of religion and human rights, Kathleen Benoza reported for Kyodo News.

The education ministry had sought a court order to strip the Unification Church of its religious corporation status, which could have significant financial repercussions. I Photo: Kyodo News

Nobuya Fukumoto, one of the group's lawyers, stated that they contest the allegations on all fronts. The education ministry had sought a court order to strip the Unification Church of its religious corporation status, which could have significant financial repercussions.

This briefing provided insight into the church's defense strategy as the Tokyo District Court evaluates the government's request during closed-door sessions that could extend for several months.

Nobuo Okamura, the church's executive on legal affairs, pointed out that the government altered its interpretation of the legal grounds for initiating an investigation, a prerequisite for requesting a court order to revoke a group's religious corporation status.

Last October, the administration had stated that a finalized criminal court ruling would serve as the legal basis for launching an investigation. While the Unification Church has faced civil court rulings alleging wrongdoing, it has not received such rulings in criminal courts.

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