Experts Discuss Rules To Investigate Religious Groups
Japanese officials have unveiled draft criteria to question religious corporations a right stipulated by law. The move is considered a step toward an investigation into a group formerly known as the Unification Church.
The Culture Ministry presented the draft to an expert panel on Tuesday.
The criteria would allow officials to question members of religious groups over repeated legal violations that undermine public welfare.
It would be based on information from public agencies.
An official at the meeting said the ministry has brought in more staff to prepare for an investigation into the former Unification Church.
The religious group is accused of soliciting large donations from followers and conducting dubious marketing practices known as spiritual sales.
The government has received thousands of complaints related to the group.
The ministry is discussing the potential for a court order stripping the group of its status as a corporation.