By 
European Religious Scholars Call for Release of Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee
Academics and human rights advocates say the detention of the 95-year-old religious leader raises concerns over religious freedom and the treatment of elderly detainees.
European scholars of religion have urged South Korean authorities to release Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church. They argue that his continued detention raises serious questions about human rights, religious freedom and the treatment of elderly people in custody.
The scholars made the appeal during the Ninth Annual Conference of the European Academy of Religion (EuARe) in Rome, Italy. The event brought together researchers to discuss global religious issues, including the growth of Shincheonji Church and the legal case involving its chairman.
South Korean authorities detained Lee on June 24 and indicted him on June 29. Prosecutors allege that he directed the registration of about 50,000 church members into a political party between 2021 and 2024. They say the actions violated the country’s Political Parties Act.
Shincheonji Church denies the allegations. The church says its members joined political activities voluntarily and acted as private citizens. It also says both Lee and the church cooperated fully with investigators throughout the inquiry.
Scholars question the detention
During the conference, several experts argued that authorities should not keep a 95-year-old religious leader in detention over non-violent allegations.
Massimo Introvigne, Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), said many European countries rarely imprison people over the age of 80. Instead, authorities often use alternatives such as house arrest unless the suspect poses a serious threat to public safety.
He also argued that international standards, including the United Nations’ Mandela Rules, encourage governments to limit pre-trial detention for elderly suspects. In his view, the charges against Lee do not involve violent crimes and therefore do not justify continued detention.
European Religious Scholars Call for Release of Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee
Human rights advocates raise concerns
Eric Roux, President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF), also called for Lee’s release. He said imprisoning a 95-year-old man conflicts with the principle of respecting human dignity.
Roux warned that the case could damage South Korea’s international reputation if authorities fail to review the detention promptly.
Alessandro Amicarelli, Chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB), expressed similar concerns. He said South Korea has earned international respect as a democratic country that protects human rights. However, he believes the current case risks weakening that reputation.
Amicarelli urged authorities to uphold freedom of religion and due process. He added that democratic societies should protect the rights of every individual regardless of religious affiliation.
International attention continues to grow
Shincheonji Church says the case has attracted growing attention from religious scholars and international human rights groups.
The church pointed to a joint written statement submitted to the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council by United for Human Rights and the Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP-LC).
According to the statement, the organisations questioned whether the investigation into church members’ political activities aligns with protections under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). They also urged South Korea to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of religion, non-discrimination and the presumption of innocence.
Church maintains its appeal
Shincheonji Church says international support for Chairman Lee continues to grow. The church believes his release would address humanitarian concerns linked to his age. It also argues that such a decision would demonstrate South Korea’s commitment to protecting human rights, religious freedom and democratic values while the legal process continues.
Comments