European Scholars Demand Release of 95-Year-Old Religious Leader Detained in South Korea

A coalition of European religious scholars and human rights advocates is calling on the South Korean government to immediately release 95-year-old Shincheonji Church Chairman Lee Man-hee. Detained since June 24 on allegations regarding political party registrations, Chairman Lee’s incarceration has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, which views the move as a disproportionate measure against an elderly individual facing non-violent charges.

During the Ninth Annual Conference of the European Academy of Religion in Rome, experts including Dr. Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR condemned the detention as a violation of international human rights standards, specifically citing the UN's Mandela Rules. Critics argue that the legal actions against Chairman Lee appear to be a targeted political and religious vendetta that contradicts South Korea's democratic reputation and constitutional commitment to freedom of belief.

The international pressure continues to mount as organizations like the United Nations Human Rights Council review reports of state-led discrimination against the church. Advocates emphasize that the detention of an elderly leader undermines the fundamental human rights and religious freedoms essential to a democratic society, urging authorities to prioritize humanitarian considerations and restore justice to ensure the country remains aligned with global human rights norms.