SEOUL, South Korea — A coalition 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 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) and several European organizations focused on freedom of religion or belief. The event highlighted concerns over freedom of religion, due process, and the treatment of elderly religious leaders facing criminal proceedings. Following the conference, five European academics and advocates signed a formal letter to the South Korean government requesting Lee's immediate release while legal proceedings continue.
The signatories, who 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 being conducted in an environment shaped by prejudice against Shincheonji. In their letter, they wrote: "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. 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 be a significant factor in decisions about detention, noting that in the European Union, pre-trial detention for elderly defendants is generally reserved for violent offenses. They wrote: "Chairman Lee is ninety-five years old. 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."
The signatories included Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF; Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR; Thierry Valle, President of CAP-LC; Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany; and Dr. Mark Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR. During the conference, organizers emphasized that the discussion extended beyond Lee's individual case to broader questions about religious freedom in South Korea. They expressed concerns about the treatment of other religious minorities and called on authorities to ensure that 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." He cited the Buddha's teaching 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 emphasizing 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 noted that Shincheonji members had regularly supported Korean War veterans through volunteer work and food assistance, and he described the current treatment of the church as "heartbreaking and deeply concerning." 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." Ryu 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 hosting organizations 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.
