International human rights organizations are urging South Korean authorities to review the pretrial detention of elderly religious leaders, citing concerns over proportionality, humanitarian considerations, and due process. At a press conference held August 7 at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter highlighted the cases of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation.
The organizations argue that detaining a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offense is inconsistent with international human rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture, both ratified by South Korea. Thierry Valle, president of CAP LC, questioned whether such detention respects the presumption of innocence, emphasizing that alternative measures, such as house arrest, are available and more humane.
The press conference also addressed broader concerns about freedom of religion or belief in South Korea. Reports indicate that Segero Church in Busan continues to face harassment and official scrutiny even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo's release. Additionally, issues such as conscientious objection, a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in schools remain contentious. HRWF has documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses as conscientious objectors, and critics argue that the alternative civilian service, requiring 36 months in correctional facilities, is punitive rather than rights-respecting.
Hans Noot, associate director of HRWF, stated that these issues "lie at the heart of democratic society," warning that stigmatizing religious communities and restricting peaceful gatherings have consequences beyond any single group. He stressed that the conference was about defending the principle that fundamental rights apply equally to all.
Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany questioned the necessity of pretrial detention for Chairman Lee, given that evidence may already be sufficient for indictment. He raised concerns about whether the evidence was gathered neutrally or through a narrative framing the community as a "sect" or "cult," and whether measures meant to protect fair elections can be applied without nullifying the right to freedom of religion.
Márk Nemes of CESNUR highlighted the global impact of the persecution, noting recent scholarly investigations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia that found increased hostility toward Shincheonji congregations abroad. He emphasized that Shincheonji is a global movement, and the treatment of its members in South Korea affects the freedoms of congregants worldwide, as protected by ICCPR Articles 18 and 19.
Massimo Introvigne, managing director of CESNUR, said South Korea "has crossed a worrying line" by arresting Chairman Lee, and that international standards such as the Mandela Rules would call for house arrest rather than imprisonment for a 95-year-old. He warned that the charges, tied to ordinary political participation, appear "legally and conceptually overstretched" and fit 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. They also signed a letter calling for Chairman Lee's immediate release. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching to see if South Korea upholds its commitments to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
