International religious freedom groups called on the South Korean government to release 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee, raising concerns over due process, proportionality, and humanitarian considerations surrounding his detention.
The appeal was made during a press conference at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers, or HRWF, and CAP Liberté de Conscience, together with Forum for Religious Freedom Europe, the Center for Studies on New Religions, and Bitter Winter.
Participants signed a letter at the end of the conference calling for Lee’s immediate release.
The groups urged South Korean authorities to ensure that legal and administrative measures involving religious communities remain neutral, proportionate and consistent with international human rights obligations.
They also raised broader concerns over freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, including the treatment of religious leaders and minority communities, conscientious objection, opposition to a mosque project in Daegu and religious accommodation in educational settings.
The press release did not provide details about the case or legal grounds for Lee’s detention.
HRWF Associate Director Hans Noot said the issues “lie at the heart of democratic society,” stressing that fundamental rights must apply equally to all regardless of religious affiliation.
Other participants included Thierry Valle of CAP Liberté de Conscience, Michael Langhans of FOREF Germany, Márk Nemes of CESNUR and Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR and Bitter Winter.
They discussed the legal, humanitarian and social implications of the developments and their potential impact on freedom of religion or belief in South Korea.
Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, archbishop emeritus of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, attended the conference virtually as an audience participant.
In a recent interview on the issue, Ledesma stressed the importance of the separation of church and state in protecting freedom of conscience and religion.
“The separation of church and state has been instrumental in safeguarding the dignity and freedom of conscience of everyone,” Ledesma said, adding that the principle “ensures that the rights of every citizen are also protected.”
Ledesma, who has worked with Lee and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light in promoting interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding in Mindanao, said he was “surprised and shocked” when he learned of Lee’s detention.
He also stressed due process and the presumption of innocence.
“Everyone has to first be considered innocent until there is some evidence or proof given otherwise,” Ledesma said.
The archbishop commended HWPL’s work in Mindanao in promoting dialogue among religious leaders and respect for different religious beliefs, saying such efforts help communities “live together” despite their differences.
Ledesma also expressed his prayers and support for Lee, saying he hoped the religious leader would “weather this with courage and also with truthfulness” as he continues working for peace and the cessation of armed conflict.
