Overview of the International Press Conference in Seoul
On August 7, an international press conference took place on the 18th floor of the Korean Press Building in Seoul. A coalition of international human rights organizations and scholars gathered to address the pretrial detention of Chairman Man Hee Lee, the 95-year-old leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
The event was organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience, FOREF, CESNUR, and the online magazine Bitter Winter.
The primary focus centered on issues of age, proportionality, and equal treatment under the law.
The conference highlighted a complex legal and social dynamic.
While international observers examine human rights standards, Korean prosecutors and mainstream domestic groups hold a different view regarding the legal proceedings.
International human rights experts and journalists gather in Seoul to discuss legal standards and religious freedom concerning Chairman Man Hee Lee.
Key Arguments Presented by International Rights Advocates
Principle of Equal Rights and International Norms
Hans Noot of HRWF opened the press conference by emphasizing that fundamental human rights must apply equally to everyone in a democratic society. He noted that the initiative was aimed at defending universal principles rather than a specific theology.Thierry Valle, president of CAP Liberté de Conscience, referenced South Korea's commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture.
He questioned whether jailing a 95-year-old individual prior to trial aligns with these international commitments and raised the presumption of innocence.
Comparative International Cases Cited:
- Cardinal Joseph Zen (Hong Kong, 2022): Released on bail
- Buddhist Patriarch Case (Vietnam): Placed under house arrest instead of prison
Legal Scrutiny and Global Religious Freedom Concerns
Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany shared a legal analysis questioning the necessity of pretrial detention if sufficient evidence for indictment was already collected. He raised questions regarding whether investigators approached the case neutrally.Mark Nemes of CESNUR discussed recent research on Shincheonji Church congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia. He highlighted that members abroad hold rights under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19. Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR and Bitter Winter noted that international standards, such as the UN's Mandela Rules, favor house arrest for a nonagenarian facing non-violent charges.
At the conclusion of the event, visiting scholars signed a letter addressed to the South Korean government requesting the immediate release of Chairman Man Hee Lee from custody.
Context of the Prosecution and State Position
Charges and Judicial Decisions
South Korean authorities state that Chairman Man Hee Lee was arrested on June 24, 2026, under a court warrant due to concerns regarding potential evidence destruction, with an indictment following days later.A joint police-prosecution unit alleges that between 2021 and 2024, he directed the mass enrollment of roughly 50,000 church members into the conservative People Power Party to influence party primaries and elections.
The charges involve violations of the Political Parties Act and obstruction of business. Investigators are also probing whether the enrollment drive was linked to securing approvals for repurposing church buildings.
A Seoul court subsequently reviewed and dismissed a challenge against the legality of the custody, upholding the detention through established judicial processes. Shincheonji Church has stated that individual members participated in political activities of their own free will and expressed intent to demonstrate Chairman Man Hee Lee's innocence at trial.
Speakers present signed international statements advocating for human rights and legal proportionality regarding Chairman Man Hee Lee.
Past Legal Background and Broader Scope
Chairman Man Hee Lee previously faced legal proceedings in 2020 relating to allegations of obstructing government health responses during a COVID-19 outbreak linked to church members.He was acquitted of the obstruction charge but received a suspended sentence for embezzlement and holding unauthorized gatherings.
- Scrutiny of Segero Church in Busan
- Pretrial detention conditions regarding 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation
- Conscientious objectors facing 36 months of alternative service in correctional facilities
- Public opposition regarding a mosque project in Daegu
- Religious accommodation policies in educational institutions
The international appeal presents a specific request centered on age, health, and proportionality, asking that an elderly defendant be allowed to contest legal charges under house arrest rather than in detention.
Conversely, domestic legal authorities focus on the severity of the allegations concerning political party enrollment and democratic processes.
As legal proceedings continue in court, the case remains an ongoing subject of international observation regarding legal standards, democratic integrity, and human rights frameworks.
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Through activities like community outreach, members and groups like the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continue their ongoing public presence during these legal developments.
What are your thoughts on how democratic nations balance judicial procedures with international human rights standards for elderly defendants? Leave your comments below to join the discussion.
What are your thoughts on how democratic nations balance judicial procedures with international human rights standards for elderly defendants? Leave your comments below to join the discussion.
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