Decoding the Gurus Interview with Elgen Strait on the Unification Church and the assassination of Shinzo Abe
Aug 20, 2022
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Political Legitimacy Through Front Groups
- The Unification Church used front groups and high-profile speakers to launder legitimacy and funnel coerced donations.
- That network made political recourse seem impossible for victims, breeding deep resentment.
Shooter’s Family History With The Church
- Elgen described Tetsuya Yamagami growing up after his mother was recruited at age ten and coerced into huge donations.
- Yamagami reportedly first targeted Hak Ja Han Moon before aiming at Shinzo Abe when he couldn't access her.
Symbolic Targeting Of High-Profile Enablers
- Targeting high-profile speakers served symbolic aims, not just direct redress.
- Assassination chose a visible enabler to signal anger at wider political complicity.