Monday, February 9, 2026
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 2

Earthquake reported in Vavaʻu; no tsunami threat

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A magnitude‑4.7 earthquake struck near Vava’u early this morning, but authorities say it poses no tsunami threat to Tonga.

The Tonga Meteorological Service issued a Tsunami No‑Threat Advisory after the quake, which occurred at 1:43 am local time on 28 January 2026.

The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 98 kilometres, with its epicentre located 62km north‑northwest of Neiafu, Vava’u.

After assessing data from the United States Geological Survey, the National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that the quake was unlikely to generate a tsunami.

No further alerts are expected unless conditions change.

The National Emergency Operation Centre has not been activated, and officials say normal monitoring continues.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this morning, Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota said the tremor “was not big” and appeared to be minor. No damage or injuries have been reported.

Lapota reported the incident on Facebook shortly after it occured.

He said the tremor lasted only a few seconds.

Two receive life sentences: Ex‑prison officer and Comanchero figure; Judge urges Tonga to seek FBI help

By
Kalino Latu
-

Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in a major methamphetamine importation network, including former prison officer Tohitongi Fetuʻu and Eneasi Taumoefolau, a man linked to the Comanchero motorcycle gang.

Eneasi Taumoefolau, a senior patched member who had been deported from Australia in October 2022. For more than a year, Taumoefolau was living the high life in one of Nuku’alofa’s top hotels, which he posted on TikTok.

They were sentenced together with four co‑defendants — Mafi Lutui, Toni Tufui, Ta’ufo’ou Fale’ofa and Tevita Shoji — each of whom received lesser terms of imprisonment.

The sentencing followed an extensive ruling in which Lord Chief Justice Bishop KC urged Tongan authorities to cooperate with United States federal agencies after noting evidence of an alleged American supplier and recommending they seek FBI assistance to pursue the individual, Rodney Hala.

The court then set out the individual sentences for the four remaining defendants.

Lutui was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment, with the final two years suspended for three years on conditions, for his involvement in importing 3,544.31 grams of methamphetamine.

Tufui is serving 12 years in prison. He was originally sentenced to 15 years, with the last three years suspended, for participating in the same importation operation. Additional convictions for possessing 217.25 grams of methamphetamine and two smoking pipes were ordered to run concurrently.

Shoji was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, after being found with 2,236.08 grams of methamphetamine.

Fale‘ofa received an 11‑year sentence, with the last two years suspended, for importing 897.71 grams of methamphetamine.

Key Communications Revealed

Court documents show that Fetuʻu’s role was uncovered through communications with a U.S.-based informant between 12 and 13 August 2024. They exchanged messages via Facebook Messenger and held a video call discussing the planned shipment of a drug-filled crate to Tonga.

Location data from Fetuʻu’s phone placed it near the SF Oceania office in California when the consignment was dropped off for shipping. Further exchanges indicated that he had packed methamphetamine into a consignment addressed to Toni Sililo Tufui, concealing the drugs inside rice sacks.

Another set of messages from 7.24pm on the same evening revealed logistics being coordinated. Fetuʻu messaged: “If will pick the box tomorrow and you’ll go home and take the food while my brother‑in‑law will go with the box in the truck.”

The informant told the court he believed the crate contained food and was unaware of its true contents or ultimate consignee, but the judge noted that a jury would be entitled to regard this explanation as improbable.

Fetuʻu grew up in ʻEua before moving to Tongatapu, where he married and now has two children. He worked as a prison officer for ten years before being dismissed.

He later supported his family through seasonal manual labour in the United States, reportedly earning about $80,000 paʻanga per six‑month stint. He claimed he believed he was simply helping someone he knew and denied involvement in drug trafficking.

Financier Role Alleged

Court documents stated there was “abundant evidence” that Taumoefolau acted as the financier of the operation, or at least as a conduit for transferring money to the alleged organiser in the United States, Rodney Hala.

On 13 August 2024, a telegraphic transfer of $74,739.09 TOP (about $30,937 USD) was sent from Luxury Car Rental, a business controlled by Taumoefolau, to Hala. Additional payments were also made through members of Taumoefolau’s family.

The court document shows that, despite Hala expressing concern that not all funds had been received, Taumoefolau assured the informant the outstanding money would be paid, told him that the consignment should proceed, and allegedly explained that the transfers were disguised as motorcycle purchases.

When the shipment arrived at Taumoefolau’s residence, drone footage showed him carrying a red bag to Shoji’s vehicle. Police seized the bag when Shoji was arrested, and laboratory analysis confirmed it contained 2,236.08 grams of methamphetamine.

Probation records show Taumoefolau was born in Australia and deported to Tonga in 2022. He and his partner operate businesses in Tonga and overseas. Before returning, he worked as a professional fighter and became involved with the Hells Angels, later associating with the Comancheros through his brother’s senior role. He has no prior criminal convictions in Tonga.

The Chief Judge warned that the scale of the operation reflected a growing threat posed by large quantities of illicit drugs entering the Kingdom. He said the sentences were intended to reflect the seriousness of the offending and the danger such activities pose to the community.

New Zealand can’t ignore Tongan horse‑meat traditions any longer

By
Kalino Latu
-

Commentary – The recent removal of lo’i hoosi pies from an Auckland bakery has exposed more than just a regulatory breach — it highlights a longstanding gap between New Zealand’s food‑safety system and the lived cultural practices of its Tongan community.

Lo‘i hoosi is a traditional Tongan delicacy made from shredded, cooked horse meat mixed with coconut cream — a dish shared for generations in Tonga and across the diaspora.

While the council acted appropriately in enforcing food‑safety rules, the situation raises a deeper question: Is it time for New Zealand to legalise and properly regulate access to horse meat for a significant segment of its multicultural population? In practice, horse meat is already circulating informally at local markets, where what appear to be unlicensed suppliers sell it as “pet food,” while members of the Tongan community purchase it for human consumption.

The result is a grey market operating without transparency, food-safety oversight, or cultural recognition—leaving both consumers and sellers exposed in ways that proper regulation could resolve.

The truth is that horse meat is not new to Tongans. For generations, families in Tonga and abroad have cooked and shared lo‘i hoosi—a dish of coconut cream‑mixed shredded horse meat—making it a longstanding part of Tongan food culture. In Auckland today, it remains widely available in Tongan restaurants, church fundraisers, private family events and community gatherings.

People know where to buy it, and many have been buying it quietly for years. The demand has never disappeared — nor will it. Cultural foods are powerful markers of identity, memory and belonging.

This is where the tension arises. While it is legal to eat horse meat in New Zealand, the law requires that meat sold to the public must come from a registered, inspected processor. Yet only one facility in the entire country is licensed to supply horse meat for human consumption, which means availability is extremely limited, expensive and — in practice — inaccessible for most Tongan families.

When cultural demand is strong but legal supply is almost nonexistent, an informal and unregulated market becomes inevitable.

From a public‑health perspective, that is the real risk. Tongans are already one of the ethnic groups with the highest rates of chronic diseases in New Zealand, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Any food‑safety issue that increases risk, whether through contaminated meat or unhygienic supply chains, only places further pressure on a vulnerable population.

Shutting down illegal sales is not a solution on its own; what is needed is a safe and culturally appropriate alternative.

According to the 2023 Census, 97,824 people in New Zealand identified as Tongan.

While official government surveys consistently state that a high intake of saturated fat increases the risk of chronic disease—including from meats such as lamb—horse meat, as traditionally prepared by Tongans, is a lean protein.

This places horse meat in a potentially healthier category compared with fattier cuts such as lamb flaps, which contain significantly higher levels of fat and are widely sold in South Auckland, where many Tongans reside.

Kaniva News understands that although certain horse‑meat products were sold at Māngere fair markets in South Auckland under “pet food” labels, consumers continue to buy them to prepare lo‘i hoosi. This suggests it may now be time to seriously consider a regulated and transparent supply system.

The question New Zealand must now confront is this: Would regulated, authorised horse‑meat suppliers better protect public health than the current underground system, or the sale of horse meat as “pet food,” which people then buy to make lo‘i hoosi? The answer is likely yes. Proper licensing ensures:

  • veterinarian screening of animals
  • hygienic slaughter and processing
  • temperature control
  • traceability
  • food‑safety enforcement

These are protections the community does not receive when it is forced to rely on a single supplier that provides limited information and may be inaccessible to many, unlike other meat suppliers that are readily available locally.

New Zealand already exports horse meat to several European countries, according to MPI, so it makes little sense that the same product is not made available through local butchers.

There is also a broader equity issue at stake. New Zealand has increasingly recognised the value of cultural food practices — from hangi to umu, from Pacific fish dishes to halal and kosher butchery. Allowing authorised suppliers for horse meat specifically for cultural demand is not about promoting the practice; it is about acknowledging reality and keeping communities safe.

The question now is whether policymakers will work with the Tongan community to bring this practice into a safe, regulated space — or whether the system will continue pushing people toward unregulated, potentially unsafe alternatives.

If New Zealand truly values Pacific wellbeing, cultural identity and public health, then the time has come for a serious conversation about legal supply pathways for lo’i hoosi. Cultural foods will not disappear, but preventable harm can — if the system is willing to adapt.

New US HyperFund charges spark alarm as BG Wealth‑Style scam targets Tongans

By
Kalino Latu
-

A new U.S. indictment in the HyperFund Ponzi case has brought renewed urgency to long-standing concerns within the Tongan community, where many suffered losses before one local promoter finally warned investors.

The action underscores how a global fraud that once took root among Tongans abroad continues to cast a shadow, even as authorities move to hold its architects to account.

A U.S. grand jury has recently issued an updated indictment against Rodney Burton, 56, also known as ‘Bitcoin Rodney’, of Miami, Florida, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, for his alleged role in promoting the US$1.8 billion fraud scheme.

Burton is accused of being a key global promoter of the HyperFund network — also marketed as HyperVerse and HyperTech — which U.S. authorities have labelled a global Ponzi scheme.”

His co-promoter, Australian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Lee, has also been charged for his alleged role in the fraud scheme alongside two others.

Prosecutors allege the operation falsely promised investors consistent, high returns through cryptocurrency-related products that generated little or no genuine revenue.

Lee’s engagement with Tongan victims was direct and in person, facilitated by U.S-based Tongan promoter Setaita Folau Tānaki, who repeatedly hosted and featured him on her Facebook livestreams to encourage community participation before the Ponzi scheme collapsed in 2024.

Kaniva News closely monitored the scheme from its emergence in the Tongan community in 2021 before its collapse, tracking online engagement and reviewing the promotional videos directed at Tongans during that period.

Scam Cycle Repeats

The scheme was aggressively promoted through livestreams, social media, and seminars.

READ MORE

Its early promotion within the Tongan community was met with mixed reactions. Some community members embraced it online after Tānaki promoted it, while others attended in‑person presentations before deciding to participate.

Meanwhile, critics voiced their concerns on social media, and several attendees confronted Tānaki at promotional meetings, accusing her of pushing a pyramid scheme and encouraging community members to invest in order to maintain her position at the top of the structure — a defining feature of such scams.

Despite the backlash, Tānaki and her loyal supporters continued to dismiss the criticism and encouraged more community members to join.

“I am withdrawing $200 a day,” she told her followers in a livestream, implying this was profit earned after depositing only a small amount into the HyperFund scheme.

The same style of promotion is now being used by BG Wealth Sharing promoters in the Tongan community.

Promoter Reverses Course

By early 2023, Tānaki abruptly changed the way she communicated with the community in what appeared to be her first public acknowledgement that the scheme she had promoted was fraudulent.

During a livestream, her tone and demeanour shifted markedly, and she urged investors to stop depositing funds as the operation unravelled, as previously reported by Kaniva News.

By then, HyperFund activity within the Tongan community had begun to fade as withdrawals stalled, associated platforms collapsed, and the scale of financial losses became increasingly clear.

According to Tānaki, many Tongans had invested more than $100,000 each, only to be blocked by the scammers and told to complete additional forms in order for their funds to be ‘considered’ for release. She said completing the forms did not guarantee that any money would be returned.

Identical Fraud Playbook

What makes the new US indictment particularly relevant now is that a near-identical scheme is again circulating among Tongans.

BG Wealth Sharing has drawn comparisons to the HyperFund scam because both operations follow the same fraud pattern: they promise unrealistic daily returns, use fake leaders and forged documents to appear legitimate, and recruit heavily through private messaging groups.

Regulators in several countries have already issued warnings against BG Wealth Sharing and its linked platform DSJEX, noting the same hallmarks seen in HyperFund — including fake profits shown on internal dashboards, blocked withdrawals, and pressure on investors to deposit more.

Both schemes also credited or paid a small number of early participants to create the illusion of legitimacy, using those apparent “success stories” as bait to convince and lure more people into the scam.

Warnings Ignored Again

BG Wealth Sharing and its partner platform DSJEX have been flagged by regulators in the U.S., Canada, and the UK as a fraudulent investment scheme.

Authorities in Washington State report complaints resembling a pump‑and‑dump operation involving impersonation of a legitimate investment firm, while warnings in California link the scam to Rancho Cordova.

International regulators have also taken action. The Alberta Securities Commission placed BG Wealth Sharing on its Investment Caution List on January 15, 2026, and the UK Financial Conduct Authority issued a warning in May 2025 declaring BG Wealth Sharing/dsjex.net an unauthorised firm.

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga has identified the operation as a scam, saying it is targeting the Tongan diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries abroad.

The operation shows classic scam signs: fake documents, including forged U.S. incorporation and SEC certificates; a “pig‑butchering” recruitment method using WhatsApp/Telegram groups led by fake “mentors” such as “Professor Stephen Beard”; and blocked withdrawals, with victims told to pay bogus “taxes” or “security deposits” to access their own funds.

Despite these warnings, Tongans across New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. continue to report recruitment attempts.

Deadly Texas blaze claims Church President Tēvita Havea’s brother and sister-in-law

By
Kalino Latu
-

A deadly house fire in Texas yesterday morning has been identified as a tragedy involving a prominent Tongan family, with victims confirmed as Tongan pastor Dr Salesi Havea and his wife, Sela.

Dr Sālesi Havea (R) with his wife Sela Havea

Firefighters were called to the blaze at around 10am on Saturday (U.S. time) at a home in the 3600 block of Sweetbriar Lane.

When they arrived, they found the property engulfed in heavy flames.

Crews were informed that two occupants had already escaped the home, while two others remained trapped inside.

Authorities said the survivors suffered minor injuries, and one was transported to hospital for further treatment.

Firefighters made repeated attempts to enter the burning residence as they worked to bring the two-alarm fire under control. Once the blaze was extinguished, the couple were found dead inside the home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No firefighters were injured during the incident.

Kaniva News understands the couple were the brother and sister-in-law of Reverend Dr Tevita Havea, President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the Kingdom’s largest Christian denomination.

The identities of the two others who suffered minor injuries in the house fire remain unknown.

Worldwide Tongan communities unite in grief

News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Tongan communities in the United States, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and abroad. Many took to social media to share condolences and offer prayers for the Havea family as they await further official updates.

“Dr Salesi and Sela were pillars of strength in our Tongan community. Their warmth, generosity and commitment to service touched everyone who knew them. Our deepest condolences go to their surviving family,” a commenter wrote in Tongan.

“The Haveas lived a life of faith and service. Their loss is deeply felt across our congregations. We honour their legacy and pray for comfort for the Havea family during this heartbreaking time.”

Messages of condolence were sent to the Havea family, who are widely known for their significant role in the Free Wesleyan Church and their longstanding commitment to education.

“They were the heart of our family. Their love, humility and guidance shaped who we are. Words cannot describe our grief, but we take comfort in knowing they lived lives of purpose and faith,” another wrote.

“Dr Salesi and Sela embodied the values of ‘ofa, fakaʻapaʻapa and fevahevaheʻaki. Their leadership and compassion strengthened our people abroad. Their memory will remain a blessing to the Tongan community.”

Tongan among five newly charged in Fiji’s record 2.64-tonne cocaine seizure

By
Kalino Latu
-

Five more people have been charged by the Fiji Police Force in connection with the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure intercepted on January 15 at a disused oil terminal in Vatia, near Tavua.

The forensic analysis conducted on the 2,630 seized parcels of cocaine have all tested positive for the drug, weighing 2.64 tonnes, with an estimated street value of AUD$780 million. Photo: Fiji Police Facebook

In total, 11 people now face court proceedings in connection with the 2.644‑tonne cocaine shipment, with an estimated street value of USD$527 million (FJD$1.2 billion).

Fiji Police allege the drugs were transported from the American continent using a “narco‑submarine”, a semi‑submersible vessel increasingly used by international trafficking syndicates.

Among those charged overnight is a 49-year-old Tongan man reportedly holding a New Zealand passport, deepening regional interest in a case already linked to transnational drug networks.

The other accused include a 33-year-old unemployed woman, a 40-year-old boat captain, and two self‑employed men aged 34 and 39, all from Suva.

The group is expected to appear in the Magistrates’ Court in Ba today.

Police say all five additional accused face charges of conspiracy to import illicit drugs.

According to Lice Movono, the ABC Fijian reporter, the Tongan national faces two additional charges for possessing items believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Similar possession charges have also been laid against the woman and the 34‑year‑old man.

These arrests add to the growing list of suspects linked to the massive drug haul.

Four Ecuadorian nationals and two Fijian men, including one who holds an Australian passport, were earlier charged with related offences and remain remanded in custody.

Fijian authorities say investigations are continuing, with more arrests possible as law enforcement agencies across the Pacific tighten cooperation to dismantle what they believe is a sophisticated trafficking network operating through the region.

Tongan pastor and wife reportedly killed in Texas house fire

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Two people were killed and two others suffered minor injuries in a house fire in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday morning, according to city officials.

Two people were found dead after a two-alarm house fire in Colleyville on Saturday morning, officials said.

Firefighters were called to a two-alarm blaze at about 10am at a home in the 3600 block of Sweetbriar Lane.

On arrival, crews encountered heavy flames and were informed that two occupants had already escaped, while two others remained trapped inside.

Authorities said the two people who exited the home sustained minor injuries.

One of them was transported to hospital for treatment.

Fire crews made multiple attempts to search the property as they worked to bring the fire under control. Once the blaze was extinguished, two people were found dead inside the home.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

However, reliable reports circulating on Tongan social media indicate that the two victims were a Tongan couple—a pastor and his wife—though this has not yet been confirmed by US authorities.

City officials have not said whether the fire was related to weather conditions, as a winter storm was moving through North Texas at the time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No firefighters were injured during the incident.

The news has sparked shock and grief within Tongan online communities, with many expressing condolences as they await official confirmation of the victims’ identities.

UB40’s ‘Big Love’ tour opens in Tonga, reviving the kingdom’s island reggae tradition

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa – Global reggae heavyweights UB40 featuring Ali Campbell are set to ignite Teufaiva Stadium on 28 January 2026, launching their Big Love Pacific Tour in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated international music events to reach Tonga in years.

Composite image of the Pōle‘o brothers and Ali Campbell of UB40, created to illustrate the connection between Tonga’s musical legacy and the Big Love Pacific Tour.

As the tour gathers momentum, it has sparked renewed interest not only in the arrival of a major international act but also in the musical roots that have helped shape the Kingdom’s cultural identity.

Many Tongans have been reflecting on the legacy of the Pōle‘o brothers of Vaini — Foni, Vaka, and ‘Ulise — whose creativity helped define Tonga’s emerging reggae sound through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Their work blended reggae influences with Tongan poetry, dance traditions and Pacific storytelling, creating a sound that resonated across island communities long before global reggae became mainstream in the region.

UB40’s 2006 show still lives in local memory as a moment of rare musical unity, when an estimated fifteen thousand people packed Teufaiva for what became one of Nuku‘alofa’s most iconic entertainment events.

Their return now rekindles nostalgia for an era when reggae, island harmonies, and Tongan cultural pride were deeply intertwined.

The upcoming show will include performances by regional and local artists such as Swiss Fejoint, DJ Noiz, DJ Darren (the eldest son of Vaka Pōle’o) and Blkb3ry, adding Pacific representation to an already highly anticipated night.

Ali Campbell has expressed excitement about returning to Tonga, describing the Kingdom as one of his favourite places in the world and looking forward to sharing music with “our South Pacific brothers and sisters.”

Where Reggae Meets Tonga

For many Tongans, UB40’s music became part of the soundtrack of migration and adaptation, echoing the experiences of families establishing new lives in Aotearoa, Australia, the United States and elsewhere.

In those same decades, the Pōle‘o brothers were shaping Tonga’s contemporary soundscape, crafting reggae in pure Tongan and in bilingual form, winning awards and leading festival stages.

Foni’s albums, including Warrior of Love (1996) and Irie Nation (1995), along with his love song Hulitā, became popular favourites across the Pacific, with Hulitā later rerecorded by multiple artists throughout the region, including in Fiji and Samoa.

Vaka’s work in the 1990s left a strong imprint on the local music scene, remembered for popular tracks such as Tuilavoni and Tangi Muimui, both of which continue to feature widely in Tongan music playlists today.

Ulise’s guitarist influence reached across Tongan, Samoan, and Fijian music in the Pacific and throughout diaspora communities. His distinctive reggae‑infused guitar work and signature Tongan chord progressions shaped a catalogue that left a lasting mark on contemporary Pacific music.

His key albums included Love Is All We Need (1996), and among his most enduring tracks were Funga Sia, Eva Mai, and We Wanna Go Back, all of which remain staples for Pacific audiences.

Celebrating Island Sound

Social media buzz around the Big Love Pacific Tour is growing, with fans marking Campbell’s return by sharing their excitement and revisiting beloved UB40 classics such as Red Red Wine and Can’t Help Falling in Love.

For many in the arts community, it is a moment to revisit and honour the Pōle‘o legacy and the wider tradition of Tongan musicians who transformed global genres into local expression—carrying reggae into Tongan rhythm, language and lived experience.

The Pōleʻo brothers’ reggae initially drew strongly from the style of Bob Marley, whose roots reggae foregrounded cultural identity, spiritual resilience and social consciousness—elements most clearly reflected in Foni’s seminal Warrior of Love album.

By the 1980s, UB40’s rise introduced a softer, melodic and multicultural pop‑reggae style that later defined the Pōleʻos’ popular love songs and mid‑tempo sound. Together, Marley and UB40 formed the genre’s twin pillars — Marley as the roots prophet, UB40 as the global populariser whose influence helped shape Pacific reggae traditions, with the Pōleʻos playing an instrumental role in that evolution.

As Teufaiva prepares for thousands of concert-goers, the anticipation reflects both the global reach of UB40 and the pride Tonga holds for its own creative lineage. The night is expected not only to celebrate reggae, but to recall the footsteps of Tongan pioneers whose music, like UB40’s, crossed oceans and generations.

UB40’s return will therefore stand as both a major entertainment event and a cultural homecoming, where international reggae meets Tongan memory, identity and musical heritage.

Michael Taione identified as victim in fatal crash in Hawai’i

By
Kaniva Staff
-

HILO — Hawai‘i Island police have identified 26‑year‑old Michael Taione, a Maui resident, as the victim of a deadly two‑vehicle collision on Highway 19 near the Hikina Place intersection on January 15.

Taione was travelling south in a white 2017 Ford F‑150 when his truck crossed the centerline and crashed head‑on into a northbound black 2022 Chevy Silverado driven by a 46‑year‑old woman from Laupāhoehoe.

Emergency responders found Taione unresponsive at the scene, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Police say speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in the crash, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver of the Silverado was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with non‑life‑threatening injuries and was later released.

The incident marks Hawai‘i Island’s second traffic fatality of 2026, matching the count at the same time last year.

Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact Officer Joshua Rodby‑Tomas of the East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961‑2339.

Defending freedom of religion: Shincheonji Church condemns state interference

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Sponsored

The government of South Korea has explicitly targeted a specific religious group, categorically labeling it a “social harm” and a “detriment” while mobilizing state power in a retaliatory manner. Such actions constitute a grave violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which guarantees the freedom of religion and the principle of the separation of church and state. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus expresses profound concern over this unilateral interference by state power and strongly urges the administration to uphold the principles of fair, restrained, and constitutional governance.

On 12 January, President Lee Jae-myung stated during a meeting with religious leaders that “societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting in great damage.” This was followed on 13 January by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who, during a Cabinet meeting, utilized terms such as “cult” and “heresy” to order a joint investigation and “eradication” measures.

These statements effectively draw a conclusion before any formal investigation has begun. Such rhetoric from the head of the executive branch preemptively brands a specific religious group as a “socially problematic entity,” which could be interpreted as compromising the due process and principles of the investigative process.

While a government-mandated joint investigation is underway, the administration is blatantly dismantling constitutional boundaries by declaring the group a “cult” and a “harm” as a foregone conclusion. By what authority does a secular government define and judge religious doctrine? On what legal basis does the highest seat of power provide “investigative guidelines” that undermine the independence of the judiciary?

The criteria for “orthodoxy” or “heresy” must never be based on political proximity or secular interests; they must be rooted solely in the Holy Scriptures.

History repeats itself. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ was branded a “heretic” and persecuted by the religious establishment of his time. Yet, history has vindicated Jesus as the cornerstone of the faith. Similarly, is it justifiable to label a religious body “heretical” based on congregation size or the assertions of rival pastors rather than the content of the Bible today?

With due regard for the issue, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has repeatedly proposed a transparent solution: let us resolve these theological disputes through an open, public Bible examination, grounded in the Holy Scripture rather than emotion or political pressure. To date, there has been no fair response to this invitation.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never claimed infallibility. If there are genuine doctrinal or social errors, we ask that they be identified with specificity. We are committed to correcting any faults and have consistently maintained this stance. The Bible’s teachings guide our actions as we strive to become upright believers respected in our communities. From voluntary service during national disasters to leading record-breaking blood drives during supply crises, we have sought to be a vital part of society. Despite this, the government continues to use abstract labels such as “harm” without presenting a single specific instance of verified damage.

Furthermore, despite numerous past allegations, the judicial process has repeatedly resulted in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. Recycling matters already settled by the courts as fuel for political and media attacks only leads spectators and all parties involved to question whether it reflects what the Republic of Korea stands for or marks a departure from the standards of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

The President and the political establishment must move away from the politics of scapegoating and toward a politics of unity that serves all the people they represent. Attempts to use religious establishments to evade political risks, or to weaponize majority opinion to suppress a minority religion, serve neither national development nor democracy. The State has a duty to ensure that no citizen is ostracized or discriminated against on the basis of their faith.

If one religion is targeted today, any marginalized group could be the target tomorrow. The Shincheonji Church of Jesus will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law and order, and will not be silenced, affirming its constitutional right to freedom of religion. We call upon the government to cease emotional branding, base its judgments on facts and law, and return to its fundamental duty of serving all people equally.

The members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus have always been sincere as people of the Republic of Korea. They have shown it through their actions, including cooperating with authorities in a collaborative spirit, engaging in unsparing volunteerism, and donating blood that saved lives. As people of faith who believe in God and Jesus, and as people of this nation, the church members will continue to live up to who they are as they always have.

13 January 2026

Members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus

123...925Page 2 of 925
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment