Victims of the Former Unification Church in Kochi: "Finally, the Result Has Come"
Tatsuo Hashida, a victim from Kochi associated with the former Unification Church, expressed relief after the Tokyo High Court ordered the dissolution of the organization, describing it as a critical step for victims.
On October 4, Tatsuo Hashida, a 68-year-old resident of Kochi and a high-profile victim of the former Unification Church, held a press conference following the Tokyo High Court's decision to order the dissolution of the organization. Expressing overwhelming joy, Hashida stated that the ruling represents a long-awaited victory for victims, although he referred to it as merely a "passing point" in their ongoing battle for justice. Since his ex-wife joined the church over 30 years ago, Hashida has faced considerable hardship, including financial losses and the tragic suicide of his son,
In response to the ruling, Hashida, who is also the representative of the "Victims and Supporters of the Unification Church in Kochi," urged the organization to take responsibility and make public apologies along with financial reparations for the damages done to its members. He passionately emphasized that the church not only takes money from its followers but also has devastating effects on their lives and well-being. During the conference, Hashida highlighted the need to ensure that the bankruptcy process allows for fair compensation for victims, stressing the broader implications of the church's actions on families and the lives of second-generation members who suffer due to their parents' involvement in the church,
Looking ahead, Hashida expressed intentions to pursue individual lawsuits against local church officials for apologies and compensation for the suffering endured. His statements reflect a determined commitment to hold the church accountable, indicating that the court's ruling is just the beginning of a continued fight for justice by victims of the sect. The call for accountability underscores a growing awareness and support for victims affected by similar high-control religious organizations in Japan and around the world.