The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church) has ordered journalist Yoshifu Arita (72) and Nippon Television to pay a total of 22 million yen in damages for the damage caused to their reputation by their comments on the TV program. On the 12th, the Tokyo District Court dismissed the claim, stating that it was “not illegal.”
According to the ruling, Arita said about the cult on the information program “Sukkiri” broadcast in August 2022, “The National Police Agency recognizes that it is an antisocial group that engages in inspirational marketing.”
Presiding Judge Kensuke Araya said in his ruling that this statement was just “part of the opinion that Diet members should declare that they will no longer have any ties to religious groups,” and that it was “not something that would leave a lasting impression on ordinary viewers.” It’s hard to admit,” he said. The court did not judge whether the content was true or not, but concluded that it did not constitute defamation.
◆“Slap lawsuit aimed at dampening speech”
At a press conference after the ruling, Arita said that the lawsuit was a slap lawsuit aimed at dampening free speech, and said, “It is significant that the cult’s claims were dismissed at the door.I will continue to speak out without hesitation.” The church organization issued a statement saying, “We are deeply disappointed.We will closely examine the judgment and consider future responses.” (Rieko Ota)
2024-03-12 12:29:32
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