SEOUL -- A coalition of European scholars and human rights advocates has formally requested that the South Korean government release Shincheonji founder Lee Man-hee from pre-trial detention, arguing that the continued incarceration of the 95-year-old religious leader raises serious humanitarian and human rights concerns. The appeal was made during a press conference at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club, organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) in collaboration with several European organizations dedicated to freedom of religion and belief.
The event highlighted broader issues of religious freedom, due process, and the treatment of elderly defendants within the South Korean legal system. Five European academics and advocates, who had visited Lee in detention the day before, signed a formal letter addressed to the South Korean government, requesting his immediate release while legal proceedings continue. The signatories emphasized that they were not seeking to interfere with South Korea's judicial process but questioned whether the case is being conducted in an environment tainted 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 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, noting that in the European Union, pre-trial detention for elderly defendants is generally reserved for 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."
The letter added that such an approach aligns 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 the signatories 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, organizers said the discussion extended beyond Lee's individual case to broader questions surrounding religious freedom in South Korea. They noted concerns about the treatment of other religious minorities and urged authorities to 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 lens 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 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."
Ryu Jae-sik, head of the Seoul branch of the Association of Korean War Veterans, also questioned Lee's detention while making clear 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 noted that 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 is currently being treated.
Referring to Lee's military service, Ryu said the Shincheonji chairman "is also a war veteran who risked his life to save this country during the Korean War in his youth." He added, "At 96 years old, he is in a state of extreme frailty where he struggles even to care for his own health. 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."
The hosting organizations said they hope the case will prompt wider discussion about freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and equal treatment under the law in South Korea.
