Could the law not have shown a little more compassion for an elderly defendant?

As I write this, I would like to speak about Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a peace advocate. When I heard the recent news of his detention, I could not take it lightly. My intention is not to defend any particular religion or to judge every aspect of his work. However, it is a fact that, as a peace activist, he has traveled to many countries around the world, promoting peace and contributing to his nation's international standing. Seeing someone who has devoted himself to international peace efforts being detained before his trial has even begun gave me much to think about, even as an ordinary citizen with no legal expertise. 

Chairman Lee was born in 1931 and is 95 years old this year. He is also a Korean War veteran who is officially recognized for his military service. I believe one of the reasons he has devoted himself so passionately to peace activities is that, having experienced the horrors of war firsthand, he understands better than most the value of peace. During the investigation, multiple search and seizure operations were carried out, and media reports indicated that he cooperated with the authorities on each occasion, providing extensive materials that allowed investigators to secure a substantial amount of evidence. Of course, the court may have had sufficient grounds that are not known to the general public. Even so, I cannot help but wonder whether greater consideration could have been given to his advanced age and health condition.

Another aspect that gave me pause was the direction the investigation has taken. It reportedly began with allegations of coercing people to join a particular political party, a potential violation of the Political Parties Act. However, the scope of the investigation has since expanded to include allegations such as embezzlement, tax evasion, and violations of the Political Funds Act. I have no doubt that the investigative authorities have their own legal grounds and procedures for broadening the investigation. Even so, I believe that providing the public with a clearer and more transparent explanation of the reasons behind this expansion would help reduce unnecessary misunderstandings and strengthen public trust. 

At the same time, I cannot help but raise the issue of fairness when looking at another religious case that received media attention around the same period. In that case, reports indicated that members of the organization's staff were found to have attempted to destroy evidence and were subsequently indicted without detention. Yet the principal figure in the case was not prosecuted because the statute of limitations had expired on some allegations and there was deemed to be insufficient evidence on others. Of course, it would be inappropriate to draw a simple comparison between these two cases, as each involves different facts and legal issues. Nevertheless, it is only natural that members of the public will compare them. When people see different outcomes, they naturally want to understand why. If the results of two high-profile cases appear inconsistent, I believe the investigative authorities should provide a clearer and more accessible explanation of the reasons behind those differences. Such transparency would help strengthen public confidence in the fairness of the justice system. 

Whenever the standards for exercising authority appear to differ from one person to another, public trust in the system inevitably begins to erode. As an ordinary citizen with no legal expertise, my hopes are not complicated. I simply believe that greater compassion should be shown toward those who are elderly and in poor health, and that the principle of the presumption of innocence should be respected until a court reaches its final verdict. For these reasons, I view the detention of peace advocate, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee, as a matter of considerable significance. I also believe that the reasons for the scope of an investigation and any differences in legal decisions should be explained in a clear and transparent manner that the public can readily understand.

It is deeply regrettable to see someone who has promoted peace on the global stage, enhanced his country's international standing through those efforts, and is also a decorated Korean War veteran being subjected to detention in this manner. I sincerely hope that he will be given the opportunity to defend himself while remaining at liberty, allowing the truth to be established through a fair and orderly judicial process. Above all, I hope that the final judgment will be one that is fair, impartial, and capable of earning the trust and understanding of the public.

Reference : https://vo.la/cF5KZKV 

HWPL and IPYG Join Hands with Government and Religious Leaders

to Conduct Drug Prevention and Environmental Cleanup Campaigns

The Zambia branch of the international peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW), conducted a campaign under the theme "Clean Up, Crime Down" in the Mandevu area of Lusaka, Zambia, to mark the United Nations (UN)-designated International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The campaign aimed to promote drug prevention and encourage the creation of a cleaner, healthier environment.

The campaign was organized to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the goal of raising awareness among young people about the dangers of drug abuse while encouraging them to help improve their local environment. The initiative was made even more meaningful through the participation of Zambian government agencies, health and environmental organizations, religious leaders, and community representatives. It was particularly noteworthy for bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors to work toward a shared goal.

During the event, participants attended a drug prevention education session that highlighted how drug abuse can have serious consequences not only for an individual's health but also for their education, relationships, and future. Betty Phiri, Coordinator of the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), said, "Drug prevention is a responsible choice that protects young people's health, education, relationships, and future. Choosing to say no to drugs and helping friends make the right decisions are small actions that can become meaningful acts of peace."

Following the educational session, participants took part in an environmental cleanup campaign along the route from Ngombe Clinic to New Ngombe Market. The Lusaka City Council and local organizations provided garbage collection trucks and cleaning equipment, while participants worked alongside community residents to collect litter and help create cleaner streets.

Nkisu Katemangwe, a Lusaka City Youth Councillor who participated in the volunteer activity, said, "Working alongside volunteers who are dedicated to serving the community has been a great source of inspiration for me. I will continue to take greater responsibility in protecting our local environment and actively contribute to future community cleanup efforts."

In particular, the campaign served as an excellent example of how voluntary youth participation and collaboration among multiple organizations can create a positive impact, and it was featured by major local media outlets. The HWPL Zambia Branch plans to continue its monthly "Clean Up, Crime Down" campaign and gradually expand the initiative throughout Lusaka. Although the word "peace" may sometimes seem abstract, healthy lifestyles, a clean environment, and small acts of consideration for one another are the first steps toward building a more peaceful society.

Reference : https://vo.la/KWq1Trk 

HWPL·IPYG Netherlands Participate in 

‘Talent for Good Forum 2026,’ 

Expanding Dialogue for Peace