Human Rights Appeal at European Parliament for Chairman Man Hee Lee

Universal Human Rights Appeal Outside the European Parliament

A peaceful gathering recently took place at Place du Luxembourg, directly in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Organized by the Belgian human rights organization Fundamental Rights Organisation PostVersa, the rally was held under the theme "A Call for Universal Human Rights, Due Process, and Human Dignity." Belgian journalists, human rights activists, and citizens gathered at the site to advocate for the protection of human dignity, freedom of religion or belief, due process, and humanitarian treatment for 95-year-old religious and peace leader Chairman Man Hee Lee, who is currently undergoing trial in South Korea.

The organizers clarified the underlying purpose of this gathering. The event was not arranged to judge the guilt or innocence of a specific case, nor was it intended to influence the judicial procedures of South Korea. Instead, the focus was to highlight the fundamental principle that universal human rights and due process must be guaranteed to every person, regardless of their age, nationality, religion, or social standing.

An empty white chair with glasses, a walking cane, and a paper sign reading "95 YRS Dignity Justice Humanity" symbolizing Chairman Man Hee Lee during a peaceful human rights rally outside the European Parliament in Brussels.

A Symbolic Stand for Dignity: An empty chair holding a walking stick, glasses, and a message for justice represents 95-year-old Chairman Man Hee Lee and vulnerable seniors requiring human rights protection at the Brussels demonstration.

Speakers Highlight Age, Judicial Principles, and International Solidarity

Speakers at the rally shared their perspectives on the core issues surrounding the trial and detention. Key figures who took the stage included Belgian journalist and human rights activist Andy Vermaut, founder of the Fundamental Rights Organisation PostVersa and editor-in-chief of the online media outlet Indegazette.be, alongside Lotfi Amine Hachemi, founder of 16mai.be, a Belgian media platform promoting the UN-designated International Day of Living Together in Peace.

Andy Vermaut previously received the 2026 International Human Rights Commission Award in Alton, UK, presented directly by Emir Muhammad Bin Salih and Nassim Malik during an international event attended by approximately 50,000 people. During the Brussels rally, Vermaut addressed key matters, including the detention of a 95-year-old individual, freedom of expression, the political rights of religious leaders, the separation of church and state, and the religious neutrality of state institutions. Lotfi Amine Hachemi emphasized that continuous attention from civil society and international solidarity are essential for peaceful coexistence and the protection of human rights.

Symbolic Empty Chair and 95 Seconds of Silence

A distinctive symbolic arrangement was set up at the event venue. An empty chair was placed with a pair of glasses and a walking stick resting on it. According to the organizers, this chair symbolized Chairman Man Hee Lee while simultaneously representing all elderly individuals and vulnerable groups who require human dignity and protection.

Participants at the gathering observed 95 seconds of silence, reflecting his age of 95 years, to contemplate the meaning of universal human rights, humanitarian treatment, and dignity for the elderly. Following the silence, attendees expressed their solidarity in a peaceful manner by writing messages regarding human dignity, peace, hope, freedom, justice, and human rights on a designated peace message board.

Human rights activists and Belgian citizens holding banners demanding due process, universal human rights, and humanitarian treatment for Chairman Man Hee Lee outside the European Parliament building at Place du Luxembourg in Brussels.

Global Call for Universal Human Rights: Participants gather in front of the European Parliament in Brussels with banners advocating for due process, judicial fairness, and the protection of 95-year-old Chairman Man Hee Lee.

Joint Declaration Demands No Exceptions to Human Rights

The peaceful event proceeded with the reading of a joint declaration and the signing of a petition. Participants reaffirmed that essential principles—such as the presumption of innocence, due process of law, humane treatment of detainees, medical and humanitarian consideration for the elderly, and freedom of religion or belief—are universal rights that must apply to everyone.

During the proceedings, participants chanted the slogan "Human Rights Have No Exceptions" while urging for fair legal procedures and the release from pre-trial detention for Chairman Man Hee Lee. A representative from the organizing entity noted that the event was designed not merely as a voice for a specific individual, but as an opportunity to reaffirm the universal principle that all people, regardless of age or religion, deserve fair procedures and humane treatment.

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