Govt. Panel Begins Looking Into Former Unification Church On Political Links
New allegations have emerged in Japan surrounding the former Unification Church about its fund raising and connections with politicians.
The government has convened its first panel on so-called "spiritual sales" and other dubious marketing practices allegedly used by the group.
The meeting on Thursday agreed to focus on consultations with complainants from early September. Various government ministries and agencies will work together to support victims.
The fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in July put the religious group in the spotlight.
The suspect in the shooting reportedly told police he held a grudge against the group and believed Abe had ties to the church. He claimed his mother had donated huge sums of money to it, bringing his family close to financial ruin.
The group says it has been working to ensure compliance, so its actions do not cause such problems.
Questions about ties between politicians and the group remain center stage in Japan.
The policy chief of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Hagiuda Koichi, confirmed he has visited a facility related to the church. He said he believed it no longer posed any social problems adding that his actions lacked consideration.
Hagiuda said, "I regret that I didn't give enough thought to people who are still suffering from issues related to this religious group. I'll draw a line between my political activities and the group."
So far, eight cabinet ministers have confirmed connections of some kind to organizations related to the former Unification Church.