International human rights groups convened at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club on August 7, 2026, to address growing concerns over freedom of religion and expression in South Korea. The press conference, organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP Liberté de Conscience, FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, focused on the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation, among other issues.
Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, opened the conference by emphasizing that the issues at stake "lie at the heart of democratic society." He warned that when religious communities are stigmatized and peaceful gatherings restricted, the consequences "extend far beyond any single group or case." Noot stressed that the conference was about defending the principle that fundamental rights apply equally to all, not about endorsing any particular theology.
Thierry Valle, President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, questioned the legality of Chairman Lee's detention under international law, citing South Korea's ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1990 and the Convention against Torture in 1995. He argued that placing a 95-year-old in pretrial detention raises questions about proportionality and the presumption of innocence, referencing alternatives like Cardinal Joseph Zen's 2022 release on bail in Hong Kong and Vietnam's house arrest of Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do.
Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, presented a legal analysis questioning whether pretrial detention was necessary given evidence already sufficient for indictment, and whether that evidence was gathered neutrally. He argued that the case raises broader questions about whether measures meant to protect fair elections can be applied without nullifying constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom.
Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR, shared findings from recent scholarly investigations in Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, noting a worrisome increase in hostility toward the movement. He stressed that Shincheonji is a global religious movement, and persecution in South Korea affects congregants worldwide, whose rights under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19 are inalienable.
Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR and Editor-in-Chief of Bitter Winter, said South Korea "has crossed a worrying line" by arresting Chairman Lee. He argued that international standards like the Mandela Rules would call for house arrest rather than imprisonment for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offence. He described the charges as "legally and conceptually overstretched," fitting a broader pattern of pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations also highlighted ongoing concerns about Segero Church in Busan, which reportedly continues to face harassment despite Pastor Son Hyun-bo's release, as well as issues related to conscientious objection, a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in education. HRWF has documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses as conscientious objectors, with critics noting that alternative civilian service is implemented punitively, requiring 36 months in correctional facilities—twice the length of regular military service.
The speakers called on South Korean authorities, the media, and the international community to examine these developments with close attention to due process and proportionality. At the conclusion, the scholars signed an official letter calling on the Government of the Republic of Korea to immediately release Chairman Lee from custody. The full proceedings can be watched on HRWF YouTube.
