The pre-trial detention of a 95-year-old religious leader in South Korea has been brought to the attention of the United Nations Human Rights Council, raising questions about the country's compliance with international human rights obligations and the treatment of religious minorities.
During the General Debate under Item 3 of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on September 18, 2026, CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement highlighting the case of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the founder and leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a Korean War veteran. Lee is currently held at the Seoul Detention Center on nonviolent charges.
The organization expressed serious concern over the conditions of Lee's detention and what it describes as a politically motivated and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority. Despite having a fixed residence and posing no flight risk, Lee was reportedly held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul's most severe heatwave, raising grave concerns about the health and well-being of the 95-year-old detainee.
The case matters because it tests South Korea's commitment to the international treaties it has ratified. CAP Freedom of Conscience argues that the treatment of Lee runs counter to the Republic of Korea's international obligations. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights requires detention to be necessary and proportionate. Article 10 guarantees humane treatment. The Nelson Mandela Rules entitle detainees to healthcare equivalent to that available in the community. The Tokyo Rules make pre-trial detention a measure of last resort. And Article 18 protects freedom of religion or belief—a fundamental right that CAP Freedom of Conscience believes has been violated in this case.
If the allegations are accurate, the implications extend beyond one individual. The use of pre-trial detention for a nonviolent charge against an elderly religious leader could signal a broader pattern of discrimination against minority faiths in South Korea. It could also undermine the country's standing as a democracy that respects human rights, particularly as it seeks to play a greater role on the international stage.
CAP Freedom of Conscience is urging the Human Rights Council to call on the Republic of Korea to honor its treaty obligations by offering alternatives to detention, allowing an independent medical assessment, and ensuring a fair and impartial trial. The organization's intervention at the UN underscores the growing international scrutiny of the case and the potential for reputational damage if the situation is not addressed.
The Human Rights Council's response will be closely watched by religious freedom advocates and legal experts. A failure to act could embolden other states to use similar tactics against unpopular religious groups, while a strong stance could reinforce the principle that pre-trial detention must always be a last resort, especially for the elderly and infirm.
