SEOUL – A coalition of international human rights organizations convened a press conference 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 event, organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, highlighted specific cases that they argue reflect a broader pattern of intolerance and disproportionate legal action against religious minorities.
Central to the discussion was the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church Chairman Lee Man-hee. The organizations called on South Korean authorities to review his detention, citing concerns about proportionality, humanitarian considerations, and due process. They also expressed concern over the treatment of 83-year-old Mrs. Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation. These cases, they argue, are part of a wider trend that includes ongoing scrutiny of Segero Church in Busan, even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo's release, as well as issues related to conscientious objection, a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in schools.
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 stigmatizing religious communities and restricting peaceful gatherings have consequences that extend beyond any single group. Thierry Valle, President of CAP LC, questioned whether detaining a 95-year-old aligns with South Korea's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture, emphasizing that the presumption of innocence must prevail. He cited precedents such as the release on bail of Cardinal Joseph Zen in Hong Kong and house arrest for Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do in Vietnam as more humane alternatives.
Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany provided 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.' Márk Nemes of CESNUR noted recent scholarly investigations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia finding increased hostility toward Shincheonji congregations, emphasizing the global impact of the situation.
Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR, argued that South Korea has crossed a worrying line by arresting Chairman Lee, referencing the Mandela Rules, which would call for house arrest for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offense. He described the charges as legally and conceptually overstretched, fitting a pattern of pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations urged South Korean authorities, media, and the international community to examine these developments with attention to due process and proportionality. At the conclusion of the press conference, the attending scholars signed an official letter calling for Chairman Lee's immediate release. The event underscores growing international scrutiny of religious freedom in South Korea and the need for legal responses that respect fundamental rights.
