SEOUL — International human rights organizations gathered today at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club to voice concerns over the state of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in South Korea. The press conference, organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, focused on the pretrial detention of elderly religious leaders, including 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation.
The groups called on South Korean authorities to review these detentions, citing issues of proportionality, humanitarian considerations, and due process. They stressed that the legal and administrative response to religious minorities must remain neutral and consistent with South Korea's international human-rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture.
Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, opened the conference by stating that the issues at stake "lie at the heart of democratic society." He warned that when religious communities are stigmatized and peaceful gatherings restricted, the consequences "extend far beyond any single group or case." Noot emphasized that the conference was about defending the principle that fundamental rights apply equally to all.
Thierry Valle, President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, questioned whether placing a 95-year-old in pretrial detention aligns with South Korea's commitments under international law. He argued that the presumption of innocence must prevail, and cited precedents like Cardinal Joseph Zen's release on bail in Hong Kong and Vietnam's house arrest for Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do as more humane alternatives.
Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, presented a legal analysis questioning the necessity of pretrial detention for Chairman Lee, given that evidence may already be sufficient for indictment. He also raised concerns about whether evidence was gathered neutrally or through a narrative framing the community as a "sect" or "cult." Langhans argued that the case raises broader questions about applying election-related measures without nullifying the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion.
Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR, discussed the global impact of the persecution. He noted recent scholarly investigations in Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, which found increased hostility toward the movement. Nemes stressed that Shincheonji is a global religious movement, and disproportionate persecution in South Korea affects congregants abroad, whose freedoms are protected under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19.
Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR and Editor-in-Chief of Bitter Winter, said South Korea "has crossed a worrying line" by arresting Chairman Lee. He cited international standards like the Mandela Rules, which would call for house arrest for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offence. Introvigne described the charges as "legally and conceptually overstretched" and part of a broader pattern of pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations also highlighted ongoing concerns about the Segero Church in Busan, which has faced harassment even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo's release, and issues such as conscientious objection, hostility toward a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in schools. HRWF has documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses as conscientious objectors, and critics argue that alternative civilian service is implemented punitively, requiring 36 months in correctional facilities—twice the length of regular military service.
At the conclusion of the press conference, the scholars signed an official letter calling on the Government of the Republic of Korea to immediately release Chairman Lee from custody. The organizations urged South Korean authorities, media, and the international community to examine these developments with attention to due process, proportionality, and equal protection of fundamental rights.
