Japan seeks to revoke the Unification Church's legal status after Abe killing

The logo of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, widely known as the Unification Church, is seen at the entrance of its Japan branch headquarters in Tokyo. The Japanese government has asked a court to remove the church's legal status. (Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images)

SEOUL — Japan's government has asked a court to revoke the legal status of the Japanese branch of the Unification Church.

It's a rare move by a government whose ruling party has long had ties with both the church and other religious groups. It might not have happened if not for the bizarre murder of Japan's ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last year.