The case of a 95-year-old religious leader held in pretrial detention in South Korea has been brought before the United Nations Human Rights Council, raising significant questions about the treatment of religious minorities and the use of detention for non-violent offenses. On September 18, 2026, CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement during the general debate under Item 3 of the Council's 63rd session, focusing on the promotion and protection of all human rights. The statement highlights the situation of Chairman Lee Man-hee, founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a veteran of the Korean War, who is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center on non-violent charges.
According to CAP Freedom of Conscience, the investigation appears politically driven and discriminatory, targeting a religious minority. The organization expressed serious concern not only about the nature of the charges but also about the conditions of detention. Despite having a fixed residence and posing no flight risk, Chairman Lee was held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul's most severe heatwave. This situation, the group argues, raises grave concerns for the health of a 95-year-old detainee.
The oral statement recalls that such treatment runs counter to the Republic of Korea's international obligations. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 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 pretrial detention a measure of last resort; and Article 18 protects freedom of religion or belief—a right that CAP Freedom of Conscience considers disregarded in this case. The organization is urging the 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 implications of this case extend beyond the individual. It tests South Korea's commitment to international human rights standards and its treatment of religious minorities. The UN Human Rights Council's response could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled globally. CAP Liberté de Conscience, a European nongovernmental organization established in 1995 with United Nations ECOSOC consultative status, works to protect freedom of religion or belief and raise awareness of discrimination affecting religious and belief communities.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is a global religious movement with a significant online presence. Its official broadcasting channel, SCJ TV, serves as a global media platform featuring worship, Bible education, teaching, and cultural content. Those interested can learn more at https://www.shincheonji.org/en and https://www.scjtvglobal.com. The case underscores the ongoing tension between national security or public health measures and fundamental rights, particularly for religious groups. As the UN Human Rights Council considers this statement, it may prompt greater scrutiny of pretrial detention practices and the treatment of elderly detainees worldwide.
