SEOUL, South Korea – 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 keeping 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) alongside several European organizations dedicated to freedom of religion and belief.
Five European academics and advocates signed a letter addressed to the South Korean government, urging Lee's immediate release while legal proceedings continue. The signatories, who had visited Lee in detention the previous day, stressed that they did not intend to interfere with South Korea's judicial process but questioned whether the case was being handled in an environment shaped by prejudice against Shincheonji. The letter states: "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 emphasized that Lee's age should be a decisive 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." 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.
The press conference also addressed broader concerns about religious freedom in South Korea. Organizers said the discussion extended beyond Lee's case to wider questions of how religious minorities are treated and called for legal processes to 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 the debate should be viewed through universal human rights principles 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 said "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 Buddhist teachings on compassion and non-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 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 described the church's current treatment as "heartbreaking and deeply concerning." Referring to Lee's military service, he said 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 said. "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." He 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. The appeal highlights the delicate balance between legal proceedings and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly for elderly defendants, and raises questions about the influence of public perception on judicial processes.
