SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – A coalition of European scholars and human rights advocates has appealed to 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 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 and belief. The event highlighted concerns over freedom of religion, due process, and the treatment of elderly religious leaders facing criminal proceedings.
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 visited Lee in detention the previous day, stressed 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 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 age should be a significant factor in detention decisions, 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.”
Signatories included 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.
Organizers said the discussion extends beyond Lee's case to broader questions of religious freedom in South Korea, expressing concerns about the treatment of other religious minorities and urging 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 emphasized that threats to freedom and human rights affect all of society, not just individuals or specific religions. “The state must uphold law and order,” he said, “but 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 clarifying 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 have regularly supported Korean War veterans through volunteer work and food assistance, calling the current treatment of the church “heartbreaking and deeply concerning.” He also referred to Lee's military service, stating that 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 added. “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 organizations hosting the event 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.
