On the morning of 28th September, Venerable Dongsan, a Buddhist monk who serves as the abbot of Dongsan Temple, which operates under the World Buddhist Pontifical Peace Foundation, held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, calling for medical bail for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

Holding a placard highlighting Chairman Lee’s age of 95 and reported spinal fracture, Venerable Dongsan appealed for his release on medical grounds as he greeted passing commuters.

Expressing his concern for Chairman Lee’s condition, Venerable Dongsan said, “While public officials are returning from the holidays, I felt heartbroken thinking that the Chairman is suffering even during the holidays.” He added, “I believe that things are happening that should never happen.”

He also expressed disappointment over the circumstances surrounding the trial, stating, “Judges should be able to conduct trials with confidence and independence, without being influenced by others, and it is deeply regrettable that this is not the case.” He added that, despite the current difficulties, he viewed the situation as “a process for things to go well.”

Venerable Dongsan (Abbot of Dongsan Temple of the World Buddhist Pontifical Peace Foundation) bows towards the court during a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on the morning of 28th September, urging bail and leniency for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

Concluding his appeal, Venerable Dongsan expressed faith that circumstances would improve, saying, “Because God and Buddha are present, things will go well.” He pledged to continue his efforts, adding, “I will continue to step my efforts until the day the Chairman is released.”

Source: vo.la/UsVFcEr