A group of European scholars and human rights advocates has called on the South Korean government to release Shincheonji founder Lee Man-hee from pre-trial detention, arguing that holding the 95-year-old religious leader in custody raises humanitarian and human rights concerns.
The appeal came at a press conference at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside several European organisations focused on freedom of religion and belief. The event centred on what organisers described as concerns over freedom of religion, due process and the treatment of elderly religious leaders facing criminal proceedings.
Five European academics and advocates later signed a formal letter addressed to the South Korean government requesting Lee’s immediate release from custody while legal proceedings continue.
The signatories, who said they had visited Lee in detention the previous day, stressed that they were not seeking to interfere with South Korea’s judicial process but questioned whether the case was unfolding in an environment shaped by prejudice against Shincheonji.
“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 said. “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 age should weigh heavily in decisions about detention, saying that in the European Union pre-trial detention for elderly defendants is generally reserved for violent offences.
“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.”
The letter added that such an approach was consistent with 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.”
Among those signing the appeal were HRWF Associate Director Hans Noot, CESNUR Managing Director Massimo Introvigne, CAP-LC President Thierry Valle, FOREF Germany Executive Director Michael Langhans and CESNUR Deputy Director Dr Mark Nemes.
Opening the conference, organisers said the discussion extended beyond one individual case to wider questions surrounding religious freedom in South Korea. They said concerns had also been raised over the treatment of other religious minorities and argued authorities should ensure legal processes remain “neutral, proportionate, and consistent with South Korea’s international human-rights obligations”.
Speaking on behalf of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Executive Chief Venerable Beopsan said the debate should be viewed through the principles of universal human rights rather than religious affiliation.
“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,” Beopsan said “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 said the Buddha taught people “to let go of prejudice and attachment and to treat all living beings with compassion without discrimination,” adding 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 Lee’s detention while emphasising that he was not asking authorities to overlook any wrongdoing.
“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 said Shincheonji members had regularly supported Korean War veterans through volunteer work and food assistance, adding that it was “heartbreaking and deeply concerning” to see how the church was currently being treated.
Referring to Lee’s military service, he said the Shincheonji chairman “is also a war veteran who risked his life to save this country during the Korean War in his youth.”
“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 attending the conference 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 organisations hosting the event said they hoped the case would prompt wider discussion about freedom of religion, freedom of expression and equal treatment under the law in South Korea.
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