Interfaith Leaders Gather to Call for Constitutional Rights and Fair Judicial Proceedings

On July 11, an interfaith prayer meeting was held at Jijangam Hermitage of the Hankuk Buddhist Jogye Order, located in Suyeong-gu, 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.

Organizers 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 defense and fundamental human rights are fully guaranteed throughout investigative processes.

Calls for Adherence to Constitutional Principles

During the prayer meeting, participants raised voices emphasizing the need to scrutinize 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 Lee Man-hee of the 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.

Emphasizing Fairness and Equal Standards

Venerable Jeonggong, the chief monk of Jijangam Hermitage, strongly emphasized 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 defense, 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 organization. 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.

A Cross-Denominational Solidarity for Human Rights

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.

• A Christian Minister's Perspective: "At a stage where guilt has not been finalized, the principle of the presumption of innocence must apply to everyone," a pastor attending the event stated. He added that personal circumstances, including advanced age and wartime service, deserve humanitarian consideration.

• A Buddhist Monk's Perspective: "The core values of Buddhism are compassion and self-reflection," another monk remarked, emphasizing that any measure restricting physical freedom before charges are finalized must be strictly judged from the perspectives of legal principles and human rights.

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

Note: The points raised during the event reflect the stances of the attendees and organizers. The final determination regarding the necessity of detention and the validity of the charges will be decided through the court's warrant review and subsequent trial proceedings.

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