Why Are International Human Rights Groups Calling for the Release of 95-Year-Old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee?

 Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog.

 As someone in my 30s living in South Korea with a strong interest in K-culture, social issues, and universal human rights, I often find myself reflecting on how our society balances justice, law, and human dignity. 

 Recently, an international press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club caught my attention. 

 Renowned international human rights organizations and scholars—including representatives from Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience, FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter—gathered in Seoul to address a critical issue: the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Lee Man-hee, Chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Whether you are familiar with Korea’s religious context or not, this conference raised fundamental questions that go far beyond any single religious group.

 I’d like to share my perspective on what was discussed and why this issue matters to all of us who care about human rights around the world.

   

 A Global Call for Proportionality and Due Process

 During the press conference, international experts and scholars made a clear appeal: South Korean judicial authorities should consider humanitarian alternatives—such as house arrest or allowing him to stand trial without detention—rather than keeping a 95-year-old in pretrial detention.

 What resonated with me most was the fundamental premise behind their appeal.

As Hans Noot, associate director of HRWF, emphasized, this issue is not about defending a specific religious movement, but about ensuring that fundamental rights and democratic principles are applied fairly and equally to everyone.

  

 

A few key points highlighted by international legal and human rights experts include:

 Massimo Introvigne, managing director of CESNUR and editor-in-chief of Bitter Winter, pointed out that under international standards such as the U.N. Mandela Rules, non-custodial alternatives should be given priority consideration for elderly defendants facing nonviolent charges.

 Thierry Valle, president of CAP Liberté de Conscience, reminded the audience of South Korea’s international human rights obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture, both of which it has ratified.

 Valle cited precedents from democratic societies—such as the 2022 bail release of Cardinal Joseph Zen in Hong Kong and the treatment of Vietnamese Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do—showing that less restrictive measures have been used for elderly figures awaiting trial.

 Scholars such as Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany and Márk Nemes of CESNUR raised concerns that public hostility, the labelling of certain groups as “sects” or “cults,” and external pressure should not undermine objectivity and fair treatment before the law.

           

 

Legal Judgments Belong to the Court, but Human Dignity Belongs to All

 To be very clear: The allegations raised should be evaluated and decided by the courts through due process.

 That is the foundation of the rule of law.

 However, from a human rights perspective, the conditions under which a 95-year-old is tried warrant careful humanitarian consideration.

 When a defendant is 95 years old, keeping them in custody before a final verdict is reached can pose serious risks to their health and life.

 Exploring less restrictive measures would allow legal proceedings to continue while protecting the right to life and human dignity.

 Ryu Jae-sik, head of the Seoul branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, noted during the conference that Lee himself is a Korean War veteran.

 Ryu emphasized that he was not asking authorities to overlook wrongdoing, but rather questioning whether fundamental rights were being applied fairly, adding that no matter how strict legal procedures may be, they should not take precedence over human dignity and life.

 

My Take: Why We Must Not Stay Silent on Human Rights Blind Spots

 South Korea's Constitution clearly guarantees freedom of religion and equality before the law.

 Yet, around the world, human rights blind spots still persist for minority groups and members of minority religions who face social prejudice.

 Human rights are, by definition, universal—they apply to every individual without exception, regardless of age, background, or social perception.

 If due process is compromised for one person or group, it can ultimately weaken the foundation of justice in a democratic society as a whole.

 I believe real progress in society begins when people from all walks of life refuse to remain silent about disproportionate or unfair treatment and speak up for fairness.

 I sincerely hope to see a South Korea and an international community where legal fairness, humanitarian principles, and freedom of religion are upheld for everyone without discrimination.

 What are your thoughts on balancing pretrial custody with humanitarian considerations for elderly defendants?

 Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch Dr. Massimo Introvigne’s Interview — 💥Now Over 1 Million Views👍 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sve2ArnEWZI

*Source : The DAWN - Rights Groups Call for Release of 95-Year-Old Shincheonji Chairman
https://thedawnrwanda.com/index.php/2026/08/08/rights-groups-call-for-release-of-95-year-old-shincheonji-chairman/politics/international/