TOKYO, March 6 (Xinhua) -- An advisory panel of Japan's culture ministry on Wednesday approved the classification of the Unification Church as a designated religious corporation subject to stricter monitoring of its assets.
The panel consisting of academics and officials of religious organizations met behind closed doors on Wednesday, with culture minister Moriyama Masahito in attendance.
With the approval, the ministry will start designation procedures promptly as part of efforts to ensure relief to victims of malpractice involving the Unification Church.
The controversial religious organization is accused of soliciting large donations from its followers and engaging in dubious sales practices.
The ministry said after the meeting that the panel of experts considered the potentially large number of victims when making its decision, adding that it will swiftly make the designation and inform the Unification Church.
Once the religious group is given the designation, it will be obliged to submit a report before it disposes of real estate and required to present a list of its assets every three months.
The Unification Church issued a comment after the panel decision, saying the law seriously violates the rights of religious corporations and is unconstitutional. ■
