SEOUL — International human rights groups have called on South Korean authorities to review the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and to ensure that the legal treatment of religious minorities aligns with the country's international obligations. The appeal came during a press conference held today at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter.
The groups highlighted concerns about the proportionality and humanitarian aspects of detaining elderly religious leaders, including 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation. They argued that such actions form part of a broader pattern of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in South Korea. Persistent issues include reported harassment of Segero Church in Busan even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo's release, public hostility toward a mosque project in Daegu, and challenges around conscientious objection and religious accommodation in schools.
Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, stated that the issues at stake "lie at the heart of democratic society," warning that stigmatizing religious communities and restricting peaceful gatherings have consequences that "extend far beyond any single group or case." He emphasized that the conference was about defending the principle that fundamental rights apply equally to all.
Thierry Valle, President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, questioned the legality of Chairman Lee's detention under international law, referencing South Korea's ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture. He stressed that the presumption of innocence must prevail and cited precedents such as Cardinal Joseph Zen's release on bail in Hong Kong and Vietnam's house arrest for Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do as more proportionate alternatives.
Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, provided a legal analysis questioning whether pretrial detention was necessary given that evidence was reportedly already sufficient for indictment. He also questioned whether the evidence was gathered neutrally or through a narrative framing the community as a "sect" or "cult." He argued that the case raises broader questions about whether election-related measures can be applied without nullifying constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights to freedom of religion.
Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR, shared findings from recent scholarly investigations in Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, which documented increased hostility toward the peaceful religious movement. He noted that Shincheonji is a global movement, and disproportionate persecution in South Korea affects congregants abroad, whose freedoms are enshrined in ICCPR Articles 18 and 19.
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, arguing 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" and linked the case to broader pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations called on South Korean authorities, the media, and the international community to examine these developments with attention to due process, proportionality, and equal protection of fundamental rights. At the conclusion of the press conference, the scholars signed an official letter urging the government to immediately release Chairman Lee from custody.
