Religious and civil society leaders in Zambia have called for humanitarian consideration in the case of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee, who is on trial in South Korea. They urged that his age and health be considered while ensuring due process and human dignity.

The appeal was made at a press conference on the 21st at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka under the theme, “Ubuntu—A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity.” The event brought together religious leaders, civil society representatives, and peace activists.

Organisers said the gathering was not intended to influence the trial but to highlight humanitarian concerns regarding an elderly defendant and the importance of due process, including consideration of proceedings without detention.

Speakers emphasised Ubuntu, an African philosophy often expressed as “I am because we are,” which stresses mutual responsibility and respect for human dignity.

Isaac Mwansa of the Zambia Civil Liberties Union urged greater attention to Chairman Lee’s age. Dr. Evans K. Kaping'a of the Apostolic Council of the Christian Union of Zambia called for humanitarian consideration while respecting South Korea’s judicial system. Sheikh Yussuf Ayami of the Family Development Initiative stressed the protection of the presumption of innocence and freedom of religion or belief.

The event concluded with participants signing a joint petition calling for “humanitarian treatment and the guarantee of due process for elderly people aged 95 and above.”

Source: vo.la/90qcqf2