Japan Supreme Court upholds disbandment decision for controversial Unification Church

Japan's Supreme Court has affirmed a lower court's decision ordering the controversial religious group, known as the Unification Church, to disband. The top court on June 22 declared the dissolution "necessary and inevitable," citing the group's history of malicious donation-soliciting practices that caused significant suffering to victims.

The ruling by the Third Petty Bench follows an appeal by the church against an order issued by the Tokyo High Court in March. At the time, the church argued that the high court's decision infringed upon the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion.

The Unification Church has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years, particularly concerning its links to politicians within Japan's ruling party. This intensified focus followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 by a man who reportedly held a grudge against the group.

The Tokyo High Court's initial dissolution order was based on findings that the church's donation-seeking activities were exploitative and caused immense hardship to individuals and families. The Supreme Court's decision now solidifies this judgment, marking a significant legal development for the organization in Japan.