'COVID-19 Spread Hub' Shincheonji Again Claims "We Are Victims"... 4,000 Cases of Believer Harassment

On the 28th, Shincheonji Church of Jesus once again issued a statement through YouTube, claiming that Shincheonji is the victim.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji), which has been identified as a hub for the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has once again claimed to be a victim.

On the 28th at 3 p.m., Shincheonji stated through a YouTube live broadcast, "Shincheonji did not create the COVID-19 virus and is a victim as well as a citizen who has lived daily life according to government guidelines," adding, "We ask the public to understand that many people are afraid to come forward and reveal themselves as Shincheonji believers amid the intense criticism from politicians and the media, who continuously accuse Shincheonji of being the source of COVID-19." This is their second statement following the broadcast on the 23rd.

In the 9-minute live broadcast, Shincheonji explained, "Despite believers suffering persecution, violence, and even loss of life from their families due to their faith in Shincheonji, we handed over the full list of believers to health authorities under the condition that they take legal responsibility," and added, "Phone interviews with believers have begun in 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, and symptomatic individuals are being tested to confirm infection status."

Shincheonji claimed, "Since this incident, over 4,000 cases of harm such as dismissal notices, workplace persecution and harassment, family persecution, stigmatization, and defamation against believers have been reported," and urged, "Please stop the curses and persecution against Shincheonji believers. Immediately cease the one-sided reports based on fake (false manipulated information) news, speculative coverage, and the words of existing detractors."