By Staff Writer
SEOUL, South Korea — Several international human rights and religious-freedom organizations have raised concerns over what they describe as growing challenges to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in South Korea.
Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR and Bitter Winter held a press conference at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club to discuss religious freedom, freedom of expression and the treatment of religious minorities in the country.
A major focus of the conference was the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Lee Man-hee, chairman of Shincheonji Church. The organizations questioned whether his detention is proportionate and consistent with humanitarian considerations and due-process standards.
They urged South Korean authorities to review Lee’s detention and ensure that legal and administrative measures against religious minorities are applied neutrally and proportionately. They also raised concerns regarding 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation.
The groups said the concerns extend beyond the cases of the two elderly religious leaders. They pointed to reported scrutiny and harassment involving Segero Church in Busan, questions surrounding conscientious objection, opposition to a mosque project in Daegu and religious accommodation in educational institutions.
HRWF also highlighted the long history of imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witnesses who refused military service on grounds of conscience. Although South Korea later introduced alternative civilian service, critics argue that the 36-month requirement in correctional facilities remains disproportionate compared with regular military service.
Opening the conference, HRWF Associate Director Hans Noot said freedom of religion and expression are fundamental to a democratic society. He stressed that the issue was not about defending a particular religious movement but protecting the principle that fundamental rights should apply equally to everyone.
CAP Liberté de Conscience President Thierry Valle questioned the legality of Lee’s continued detention under international law, citing South Korea’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture.
Valle argued that the presumption of innocence should remain central and said alternative measures could be considered for elderly defendants while respecting human dignity.
FOREF Germany Executive Director Michael Langhans also questioned whether Lee’s pretrial detention was necessary, arguing that the case raises broader concerns about balancing election-related laws with constitutionally and internationally protected religious freedoms.
CESNUR Deputy Director Márk Nemes said continued pressure against Shincheonji could have consequences beyond South Korea, noting that the movement has congregations in several countries. He warned that hostility toward the group could affect the religious freedoms of its members abroad.
CESNUR Managing Director and Bitter Winter Editor-in-Chief Massimo Introvigne described Lee’s arrest as a concerning development and argued that international standards should be taken into account when dealing with an elderly defendant accused of a non-violent offense.
The organizations called on South Korean authorities, the media and the international community to closely examine the cases, particularly issues involving due process, proportionality and equal protection of fundamental rights.
At the end of the conference, participating scholars signed a letter urging the Government of the Republic of Korea to release Lee Man-hee from custody.
