Brussels, Belgium - The spiritual movement Sahaja Yoga has won a court case against a government institute that informs the state about dangerous sects and other organisations.
The Brussels Court of Appeal convicted the federal 'sects observatory' — and hence the government — for a lack of objectivity in its two-yearly report.
The observatory was also convicted of violating the legal obligation to explain its reasoning, news agency Belga reported.
The ruling opens the door for other courtroom battles against the centre by (alleged) sects.
In its biennial report, the centre said last year that the organisation Sahaja Yoga was a risky movement.
The report pointed to misleading recruiting, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and dangers posed to children.
Sahaja Yoga then initiated legal proceedings, claiming that the report was incorrect.