For the first time, the Committee finds violations of both non-discrimination and minority rights provisions in a religious liberty case.
From the World
Misinterpreting Court Decisions: The Madrid Ruling Against the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Media and anti-cultists misinterpret a (wrong) decision as a judicial condemnation of the religion rather than a free-speech case.
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 7. A Decision Based on Speculation
The court dissolved the Church based on “hypothetical” and “potential” rather than actual risks.
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 6. Ignoring the Compliance Declarations
After the internal reform of 2009, contested cases of donations fell to almost zero.
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 5. Was the Order Needed?
The court failed to prove that dissolving the church was “necessary in a democratic society.”
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 4. Brainwashing Redux?
The High Court surreptitiously reintroduced the discredited and pseudoscientific theory of mind control.
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 3. Protecting Public Order?
“Public welfare” and “social appropriateness” are not part of “public order” and are not admissible grounds to restrict freedom of religion or belief.
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 2. “Prescribed by Law”?
The restriction to freedom of religion the court imposed cannot be considered to be “prescribed by law” within the meaning of Article 18.3 of the Covenant.
Unification Church: Japan’s Dissolution Order and International Law. 1. Violating the Believers’ Rights
A detailed analysis by a leading French lawyer in preparation for the review of the case by Japan’s Supreme Court.
Jean Delville and Theosophy. 2. The Krishamurti Crisis
The Belgian painter was a fervent believer in Krishnamurti’s mission. This eventually led to his break with the Theosophical Society.









