Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), together with CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, held a press conference at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club on August 14, 2026, to address concerns about freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in South Korea. The organizations highlighted the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee, questioning its proportionality and humanitarian implications, and called for his release. They also expressed concerns about the treatment of 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation, and ongoing issues with Segero Church in Busan, conscientious objection, and religious accommodation in education.
Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, opened the conference by stating that the issues at stake "lie at the heart of democratic society," warning that stigmatizing religious communities and restricting peaceful gatherings have consequences that "extend far beyond any single group or case." He emphasized that the conference was about defending the principle that fundamental rights apply equally to all.
Thierry Valle, President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, questioned the legality of Chairman Lee's detention under international law, referencing South Korea's ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. He argued that placing a 95-year-old in pretrial detention is inconsistent with these obligations and that the presumption of innocence must prevail. He cited precedents such as Cardinal Joseph Zen's release on bail in Hong Kong and Vietnam's house arrest of Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do as more humane alternatives.
Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, presented a legal analysis questioning whether pretrial detention was necessary given sufficient evidence for indictment, and whether evidence was gathered neutrally. He argued that the case raises broader questions about whether election protection measures can be applied without nullifying the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to freedom of religion.
Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR, shared findings from recent scholarly investigations in Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, which found a worrying increase in hostility toward the movement. He stressed that Shincheonji is a global religious movement, and persecution in South Korea affects its members worldwide, whose rights under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19 must be considered.
Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR and Editor-in-Chief of Bitter Winter, said South Korea "has crossed a worrying line" by arresting Chairman Lee, arguing that international standards like the Mandela Rules call for house arrest rather than imprisonment for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offence. He described the charges as "legally and conceptually overstretched" and warned of a broader pattern of pressure against minority faiths.
The organizations called on South Korean authorities, media, and the international community to examine these developments with attention to due process, proportionality, and equal protection of fundamental rights. At the conclusion of the press conference, the scholars signed a letter calling for the immediate release of Chairman Lee. The full proceedings can be watched on HRWF YouTube.
