SEOUL – A coalition of European scholars and human rights advocates has appealed to the South Korean government to release Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, from pre-trial detention, arguing that his continued custody raises serious humanitarian and human rights concerns.
At a press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) and several European organizations dedicated to freedom of religion or belief, the group highlighted what they described as threats to due process and the fair treatment of elderly religious leaders. The event focused on the broader implications of Lee’s case for religious freedom in South Korea, with speakers stressing that the legal proceedings against him are unfolding in a climate of prejudice.
In a formal letter addressed to the South Korean government, five academics and advocates – Hans Noot of HRWF, Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR, Thierry Valle of CAP-LC, Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany, and Dr. Mark Nemes of CESNUR – requested Lee’s immediate release. The signatories, who had visited Lee in detention the previous day, emphasized their respect for South Korea’s judicial system but expressed concern about the influence of negative media portrayals. “We hold the deepest respect for the democratic institutions of the Republic of Korea and have no desire to interfere with the functioning of its justice system,” the letter stated. “We note, however, that the case against Chairman Lee unfolds in a climate where media representations of Shincheonji as a ‘cult’ often rely on polemical accounts by religious opponents who denounce it as ‘heresy,’ while disregarding the findings of academic research.”
The group argued that Lee’s advanced age should be a decisive factor in the detention decision. They pointed out that within the European Union, pre-trial detention for elderly defendants is generally reserved for alleged violent offenses. “Chairman Lee is ninety-five years old,” they wrote. “In the European Union, from which we come, pre-trial detention for older defendants is considered an exceptional measure, permitted only when violent crimes are alleged, which is not the case here. In comparable situations, defendants are placed under house arrest.” They also cited the United Nations Mandela Rules and other international standards, concluding: “For humanitarian reasons, and in accordance with international principles protecting older defendants, we respectfully request the immediate release of Chairman Lee from custody, so that he may stand trial without being held in detention.”
The conference also featured remarks from Venerable Beopsan, Executive Chief of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, who framed the issue as a matter of universal human rights. “Threats to the freedom and human rights of others are by no means merely an issue for individuals or specific religions; they affect the peace and coexistence of our entire society,” he said. While acknowledging that “the state must uphold law and order,” he stressed that “fundamental human rights and freedom of religion must not be infringed upon on the grounds of a specific religion, nor should social prejudice and discrimination be justified.” He drew on Buddhist teachings, noting that the Buddha taught people “to let go of prejudice and attachment and to treat all living beings with compassion without discrimination,” and added that “a democratic society can become healthier when it protects the rights of minorities.”
Ryu Jae-sik, head of the Seoul branch of the Association of Korean War Veterans, also questioned the necessity of Lee’s detention, while clarifying that he was not asking for any wrongdoing to be overlooked. “I stand here today not to ask for the unconditional covering up of someone’s faults,” Ryu said. “Rather, I wish to ask whether the fundamental human rights and freedom of religion, which every citizen of the Republic of Korea is entitled to, are currently being upheld fairly.” Ryu highlighted Shincheonji’s volunteer work with war veterans and noted that Lee himself is a Korean War veteran. “At 96 years old, he is in a state of extreme frailty where he struggles even to care for his own health,” Ryu said. “Is it absolutely necessary to imprison an elderly war veteran who has a secure residence, poses no risk of escape, and is not in a condition to destroy evidence? This goes beyond mere detention; it is a cruel measure that directly threatens a person’s right to life and health.” He urged the international guests to “set aside your prejudices against people and look upon them through the lens of universal human rights,” and called for Lee to receive “a fair trial while remaining out of custody.”
The organizations hosting the event expressed hope that the case would prompt wider discussion about freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and equal treatment under the law in South Korea, underscoring the importance of ensuring legal processes remain “neutral, proportionate, and consistent with South Korea’s international human-rights obligations.”
