On 11th July, an interfaith prayer meeting was held at Jijangam Hermitage of the Hankuk Buddhist Jogye Order, located in Suyeong District, Busan. Bringing together approximately 40 religious leaders from various denominations, including Buddhism and Christianity, the gathering focused on advocating for the protection of human rights and the establishment of fair judicial proceedings.

Organisers explained that the event was designed to urge law enforcement to remain unaffected by political interests or public opinion, while ensuring that a suspect’s right to defence and fundamental human rights are fully guaranteed throughout investigative processes.

During the prayer meeting, participants raised voices emphasising the need to scrutinise whether the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence and the Criminal Procedure Act's principle of investigation without detention are being faithfully upheld. This discussion emerged amidst the ongoing investigation involving Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.

Attendees asserted that, independent of the investigative agency's judgment, a comprehensive review of the suspect’s circumstances must be conducted. They suggested that factors such as the suspect’s age, health status, cooperation with the investigation, and the lack of risk regarding flight or destruction of evidence should be thoroughly weighed. Furthermore, opinions were presented that Chairman Lee's background as a Korean War veteran and his domestic and international peace activities should be considered from a humanitarian perspective.

Venerable Jeonggong, the chief monk of Jijangam Hermitage, strongly emphasised the principles of fairness and equity in law enforcement. “The word 'law' (法) originates from the imagery of flowing water, implying that it must remain as flat and fair as water without tilting to one side,” stated Venerable Jeonggong. He added, “Judicial decisions must never be swayed by political interests or biased public opinion.”

Venerable Jeonggong further argued that because detention is a severe measure restricting a suspect's physical freedom and right to defence, it must be judged with utmost caution. He noted that if an elderly suspect poses little risk of flight or destruction of evidence and is faithfully cooperating with the investigation, the possibility of investigating without detention should be fully examined.

Participants also pointed out that prejudiced or discriminatory standards must not be applied simply because an investigation involves a specific religious organisation. Venerable Jeonggong remarked that applying different standards based on religion or affiliation could undermine the principles of religious freedom and equality guaranteed by the Constitution, reiterating that investigative authorities and the judiciary must judge solely in accordance with the law and evidence.

The prayer meeting featured prayers and speeches from different religious traditions under the themes of "Establishing the Constitutional Principle of the Presumption of Innocence and Protecting Human Rights" and "Rejecting Trial by Public Opinion and Realizing Fair Judicial Justice." Transcending denominational differences, the attendees united in their commitment to solidarity for guaranteeing human rights and restoring judicial justice.

Moving forwards, Jijangam Hermitage plans to continue its interfaith solidarity activities, publicising the religious community's views on judicial justice and the protection of human rights.

Source:

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-https://naver.me/Ge7rfebY