A meeting on the human rights and due process of the very elderly was held on 27th July in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul.

The event, themed "Speaking of Human Rights and Human Dignity," was attended by religious leaders from Protestant and Buddhist communities, including Venerable Gokdam, Pastor Bae Geon-hee, and Park Won-jung.

Following the recent arrest of ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, on charges of violating the Political Parties Act, participants discussed whether the constitutional principles of freedom of religion and equality before the law are being applied fairly and impartially to all citizens.

Venerable Gokdam said, “While the law must be enforced fairly, the health and life of a suspect must also be fully protected. Seeing the detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee reminds us, as people of faith, that we must not lose our compassion for human life.”

Park Won-jung emphasised the importance of upholding universal human rights, stating, “Every individual is entitled to fundamental rights and humane treatment through lawful procedures under all circumstances. In particular, special consideration should be given to the health and safety of the very elderly.”

He added, “I hope our society continues to develop into a mature community that upholds the rule of law while respecting compassion and human dignity.”

Participants agreed that freedom of religion and human rights are not privileges reserved for particular groups, but constitutional values that must be guaranteed equally to every citizen.

They also called for a review of Chairman ManHee Lee's detention and urged the creation of a society in which people of different faiths can coexist in harmony.

Source: vo.la/kZZ1eil