The ruling in a lawsuit filed by the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church) against Yomiuri Television, which aired the program with lawyer Masaki Kito, for a total of 22 million yen in damages, alleging that their reputation was harmed by comments made on a TV program. The district court dismissed the claim on the 13th, stating that there was “no illegality.”
Attorney Masaki Kito (left) holds a press conference after the verdict
According to the ruling, attorney Kito appeared on “Information Live Miyaneya” broadcast in July 2022 and explained the cult and its splinter organizations, saying, “There have even been cases where members have been forced to prostitute themselves because they don’t have money.” .
In his ruling, Presiding Judge Mikiichiro Dozono ruled that the statements made about the splinter organization were based on materials he received from clients in the course of his legal work, and that there was “reasonable reason to believe that they were true,” and did not find any illegality. . In response to attorney Kito’s statement on the program, “I think the idea of doing anything to raise money is causing division, which is causing problems,” the ruling said, “The important part of the underlying facts is true.This is no more than a commentary.” It was determined that the incident did not amount to defamation.
At a press conference after the verdict, attorney Kito hailed the case as a “victory,” but said with a grim expression, “I think the trial caused the media to refrain from appearing on me.” The church issued a statement saying it was “deeply regrettable.” (Masutake Kato)
2024-03-13 09:55:05
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