The accusations against BAPS collapsed, exposing how minority religions are too often miscast as criminal. When devotion is mistaken for coercion, freedom of religion is put at risk.
Testimonies Global
In Their Shoes: A Soleful Resistance at Kaunas’ Ninth Fort
A unique exhibition tells the story of Lithuanian anti-Soviet partisans through their boots and shoes.
A Minor Shot Dead in Kenya for Being a Member of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light: His Brother Testifies
The religious nature of Ibrahim Ramadan’s murder is confirmed by the fact that the victim’s brother was later arrested and beaten for his faith.
“Public Welfare” and Religious Liberty in Japan: The Case of the Unification Church
The dissolution order that hit the Family Federation last March violates Japan’s international law obligations.
Sanctuary Denied: USCIRF Documents How Host Countries Fail Religious Refugees in Asia
They fled persecution only to be criminalized. A report exposes the legal void and moral vacuum in South and Southeast Asia’s refugee policies.
“We Exist, But We Cannot Say We Are Christians”: An Interview with an Afghan Christian
Via WhatsApp, an Afghan Christian shares his experience of living under Taliban rule. We have verified his story, although we protect him with a pseudonym.
The “Mind Control Fantasy” in Japan After Aum Shinrikyo. 5. Misunderstanding Deprogramming
The Aum case proved that the “anti-cult measures” based on deprogramming methods did not work, and ended up adding fuel to the fire.
The “Mind Control Fantasy” in Japan After Aum Shinrikyo. 4. The Anti-Cult Movement
Deprogramming continued in Japan after it was banned in the West. Lawyers and left-wing activists supported it.
The “Mind Control Fantasy” in Japan After Aum Shinrikyo. 3. Aum’s “Mind Control” Dreams
Influenced by MK Ultra, Aum Shinrikyo believed that “mind control” existed and tried to use it on its followers—without success.
The “Mind Control Fantasy” in Japan After Aum Shinrikyo. 2. MK Ultra and Its Influence
The CIA both accused the Communists of using brainwashing and tried to make it work for its own purposes. These events had a significant influence on Japan.