The court failed to prove that dissolving the church was “necessary in a democratic society.”
Religious Liberty
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.
China’s New Front Line Against “Illegal Religion”: Primary School Classrooms
A campaign in Lishui, Zhejiang, shows how the fight against “heterodox teachings” now targets even young pupils.
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.
Kangda Tianxia: Another Zhonggong Offshoot Repressed as a Xie Jiao
Despite decades of persecution, new incarnations of the banned qigong group continue to appear in China.
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.
Two Tibetan Monks “Disappeared” into the Chinese Jail System
The detentions of Samten Gyatso and Jamyang Samten highlight the ongoing repression of support for the Dalai Lama in Tibetan monasteries.
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.
China Uses “Buddhist Friendship” in Seoul to Advance Its Religious Policy Agenda
A CCP-controlled delegation promotes Beijing’s line while regional partners intensify pressure on the Unification Church, Shincheonji, and other groups labeled as “cults.”
The Unhealthy China-Kazakh Rapprochement: Mass Imprisonment of Anti-China Protesters
Multiple jail terms hit members of the activist group Atajurt, which China has long sought to destroy.