International human rights organizations have voiced serious concerns over the state of freedom of religion and expression in South Korea, particularly regarding the pretrial detention of elderly religious leaders. At 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 jointly addressed these issues, calling on South Korean authorities to review the detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and to ensure that legal responses to religious minorities remain neutral and proportionate.
The conference highlighted the case of Chairman Lee, who remains in pretrial detention despite his advanced age and non-violent charges. Thierry Valle, president of CAP LC, questioned the consistency of this detention with South Korea's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture, both ratified by South Korea. He emphasized that the presumption of innocence must prevail and cited examples of more humane alternatives, such as the release on bail of Cardinal Joseph Zen 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 the evidence already gathered. He argued that the case raises broader questions about whether measures intended to protect fair elections can be applied without infringing on constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights. The organizations also expressed concerns about the treatment of 83-year-old Mrs. Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation and the ongoing scrutiny of Segero Church in Busan, even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo's release.
Beyond these cases, the conference addressed persistent issues such as conscientious objection, with HRWF having documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses in the past. Although alternative civilian service was introduced, critics argue it is punitive, requiring 36 months of service in correctional facilities—twice the length of regular military service. Recent court decisions have upheld this system, raising further concerns about religious accommodation.
Márk Nemes of CESNUR noted that the persecution of Shincheonji in South Korea has global repercussions, affecting congregants abroad who face increased hostility. He stressed that the rights to freedom of expression and religion are inalienable under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19. Massimo Introvigne, managing director of CESNUR, warned that South Korea "has crossed a worrying line" by arresting Chairman Lee, and that international standards like the Mandela Rules would favor house arrest for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offense.
The organizations called on South Korean authorities, the media, and the international community to scrutinize these developments closely. At the conclusion of the press conference, scholars signed an official letter urging the government to release Chairman Lee immediately. The event underscored the importance of upholding fundamental rights equally for all, as Hans Noot of HRWF stated, "defending a principle: that fundamental rights apply equally to all."
