Human rights organizations are calling on South Korea to review the pretrial detention of elderly religious leaders, arguing that the cases raise serious questions about due process, proportionality, and the country’s commitment to international human rights standards. At a press conference held on August 7 at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, groups including Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter voiced concerns over the treatment of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation.
The organizations highlighted that these cases are part of a broader pattern of freedom of religion or belief concerns in South Korea. They pointed to ongoing harassment of Segero Church in Busan, even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo’s release, as well as issues such as conscientious objection, a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in schools. HRWF has documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses as conscientious objectors, and critics argue that the alternative civilian service, introduced later, is punitive, requiring 36 months of service in correctional facilities—twice the length of regular military service.
Hans Noot, associate director of HRWF, opened the conference by stating 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 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 whether detaining a 95-year-old is consistent with South Korea’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture, which it ratified in 1990 and 1995, respectively. He stressed that the presumption of innocence must prevail and noted that democratic countries often use more humane alternatives, citing Cardinal Joseph Zen’s release on bail in Hong Kong in 2022 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 for Chairman Lee was necessary given that evidence might already suffice for indictment. He also raised concerns about whether the evidence was gathered neutrally or through a narrative framing Shincheonji as a “sect” or “cult.” Langhans argued that the case underscores a broader question: can measures meant to protect fair elections be applied without nullifying the right to freedom of religion?
Márk Nemes, deputy director of CESNUR, shared findings from three recent scholarly investigations in Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, which showed a worrying increase in hostility toward the peaceful religious movement. He noted that Shincheonji is a global movement, and persecution in South Korea affects congregants abroad, whose rights under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19 must be protected.
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 for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offense. He described the charges as “legally and conceptually overstretched” and warned of a broader pattern of pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations called on South Korean authorities, the media, and the international community to scrutinize these developments closely, and at the conclusion, the scholars signed a letter urging the government to release Chairman Lee immediately.
