International human rights groups are calling on South Korea to review the detention of elderly religious leaders, citing concerns over religious freedom and due process. During a press conference held on August 7 at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter addressed the cases of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and 83-year-old Mrs. Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation. The groups argued that the pretrial detention of these individuals raises questions of proportionality, humanitarian considerations, and consistency with South Korea's international human-rights obligations.
The conference highlighted a broader pattern of religious freedom concerns in the country, including ongoing scrutiny of Segero Church in Busan, conscientious objection issues, public hostility toward a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in educational settings. HRWF has documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses as conscientious objectors, and although alternative civilian service was introduced, critics argue it is implemented punitively, 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 emphasizing that the issues at stake "lie at the heart of democratic society," warning that stigmatizing religious communities and restricting peaceful gatherings have consequences that "extend far beyond any single group or case." He stressed that the conference was about defending the principle that fundamental rights apply equally to all.
Thierry Valle, president of CAP LC, questioned the legality of Chairman Lee's detention under international law, referencing South Korea's ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. He argued that the presumption of innocence must prevail and that more humane alternatives exist, citing precedents such as Cardinal Joseph Zen's release on bail in Hong Kong and house arrest for Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do in Vietnam.
Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany presented a legal analysis questioning the necessity of pretrial detention given sufficient evidence for indictment and whether the evidence was gathered neutrally or through a narrative framing the defendant's community as a "sect" or "cult." He raised broader questions about whether measures meant to protect fair elections can be applied without nullifying the right to freedom of religion.
Márk Nemes, deputy director of CESNUR, discussed recent scholarly investigations in Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, finding a worrisome increase in hostility toward the movement. He stressed that Shincheonji is a global religious movement, and disproportionate persecution in South Korea affects congregants abroad, whose freedoms are enshrined in ICCPR Articles 18 and 19.
Massimo Introvigne, managing director of CESNUR, 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 rather than imprisonment for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offense. He described the charges as "legally and conceptually overstretched" and fitting a pattern of pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations called on South Korean authorities, the media, and the international community to examine these developments with attention to due process and proportionality. At the conclusion, the scholars signed an official letter calling for the immediate release of Chairman Lee from custody.
