Venerable Yongsan, head monk of Bogwangsa Temple of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, made these remarks immediately following the “3rd Joint Solidarity for Democracy and Religious Freedom” press conference, held on the 31st in front of the west gate of the Seoul Central District Court.

As a Buddhist leader, Venerable Yongsan cited the health risks associated with advanced age and what he described as an unjust detention investigation as reasons for calling for bail for Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee. He emphasised that, regardless of religious beliefs or denominational differences, the basic human rights and right to defence of an extremely elderly defendant must be respected.

In particular, Venerable Yongsan pointed to Chairman Lee’s age and the physical and psychological burden of remaining in detention. His position is that the judiciary should carefully consider whether it is appropriate to continue the investigation and trial while keeping a 95-year-old defendant in custody.

“After following Chairman Lee for nearly two years and verifying the facts, I found that he is a person who has travelled to more than 130 countries and worked for world peace,” Venerable Yongsan said. “It is excessive to detain a 95-year-old man and continue the investigation when the evidence has not been clearly established.”

He also stressed that the judicial process can continue without requiring the defendant to remain in custody. In his view, the necessity of detention should be assessed by balancing the defendant’s advanced age and health concerns against factors such as the risk of flight or destruction of evidence.

“If an elderly defendant were to collapse from the mental stress and shock of being held in a detention centre, no one would be able to bear responsibility,” he said. “Since there is no concern that he will flee or destroy evidence, measures should be taken to allow him to stand trial while remaining out of custody.”

Venerable Yongsan concluded by reaffirming his appeal: “The Republic of Korea is a liberal democratic nation and a state governed by the rule of law.” He urged the court and investigative authorities to “withdraw the unreasonable detention investigation and make a humanitarian decision while ensuring fair and just enforcement of the law.”

Source: vo.la/xCcCp55