Bitter Winter

Restricting freedom of religion or belief on the grounds of “social acceptability” and “public welfare” is prohibited by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Detention in mass camps, forced sterilization, coerced birth control, and sexual abuse are rarely mentioned. Perhaps economic ties with China make criticism inconvenient.

The Chinese Communist Party celebrates Japan’s court ruling as a welcome boost to its global campaign against an unwelcome church.

After 2009, the number of incidents involving alleged improper solicitation of donations dropped to nearly zero. But the court maintains the problem still exists.

The new policy assaults the Tibetan language and thus Tibet’s cultural and religious foundations.

Ultimately, the reason for the dissolution was the alleged manipulation of donors. Is there really enough evidence that it happened?

A key theme of the decision is the discredited pseudo-scientific theory that “cults” victimize their members through “mental manipulation.”

Fearful of the event’s increasing success, Beijing attempts to diminish the holy journey to the point of insignificance.

The court reconstructed the theology and practices of the movement founded by Reverend Moon based on selective quotes and hostile sources.

Villagers in Wuchuan were prevented from carrying out a centuries-old ritual as authorities tighten control over grassroots spiritual life.