A proposal would punish “mind control” allegedly practiced by “cults” with prison sentences ranging from three to eight years. An interview with Massimo Introvigne
Op-eds Global
Violation of Judicial Independence and Due Process in the Unification Church Case in Japan. Executive Summary
The summary of Attorney Duval’s report sent to the relevant Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations on June 30, 2025.
Violation of Judicial Independence and Due Process in the Unification Church Case in Japan. 4. Fabricated Evidence and Secret Trials
Since proceedings were not open to the public, it was easier for the government to present false statements and get away with it.
Violation of Judicial Independence and Due Process in the Unification Church Case in Japan. 3. The Deprogramming Connection
Deprogrammed members were told they should either sue the Church or would be confined again. The dissolution decision largely relied on such cases.
Violation of Judicial Independence and Due Process in the Unification Church Case in Japan. 2. Violating the Duty of Impartiality
The Tokyo District Court first decided the Church should be dissolved, then misinterpreted the law to support that decision.
Violation of Judicial Independence and Due Process in the Unification Church Case in Japan. 1. Non-Respect of Article 14 ICCPR
The dissolution case against the Church violates due process of law on multiple grounds.
Karel Dobbelaere, Scientology, and Soka Gakkai
The Belgian scholar, who died in 2024, explored why the two movements should be considered full-blown religions.
Who Is Afraid of Catholic Saints? A Strange Campaign Against Carlo Acutis
The Italian teenager is set to be canonized in September. Progressive Catholics and secular journalists are opposing the canonization. Why?
Pakistan: Weaponizing Blasphemy Laws for Stealing Land and Property
Sometimes, false accusations arise because neighbors covet the accused’s belongings.
The Unification Church Case: Religiocide in Japan
Why, when, by whom, and how the assassination of a religion was prepared and perpetrated.