Since 1966, More than 4,000 members of the Unification Church of Japan have been illegally confined by their families and “deprogrammers” in an attempt to make them leave the religion which they, as adults, freely chose to join. Those who escaped their captors report that every case involved the use of force, prison-like conditions, deprival of the right to communicate with the outside world, and an intense effort to pressure the believer to change his or her faith.
We therefore appeal to the leaders of the United States and the international human rights community to support the campaign for justice. A clear signal must be sent to those who perpetrate these crimes that their behavior will not be tolerated. Japan must adhere to international human-rights standards and live up to its own constitution, which affirms a commitment to protect religious freedom. We invite all concerned citizens and residents of the United States to join us in our petition urging the government to assist in ending these aggregious practices.
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Since 1966, More than 4,000 members of the Unification Church of Japan have been illegally confined by their families and “deprogrammers” in an attempt to make them leave the religion which they, as adults, freely chose to join. Those who escaped their captors report that every case involved the use of force, prison-like conditions, deprival of the right to communicate with the outside world, and an intense effort to pressure the believer to change his or her faith.