UN Human Rights Council Urged to Intervene in Detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee

GTTP

CAP Freedom of Conscience formally challenges the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee at the UN.
The detention is criticized as a discriminatory, politically motivated action targeting a religious minority.
Advocates cite violations of the ICCPR and the Nelson Mandela Rules regarding humane treatment and detention proportionality.
The NGO demands immediate alternatives to incarceration, independent medical evaluations, and a fair, impartial trial for the defendant.

Impact - Why it Matters

This case highlights the intersection of state authority and religious freedom, underscoring the necessity of international oversight. It serves as a vital precedent for how governments treat minority faith leaders, emphasizing that human rights obligations, particularly regarding aging detainees, must transcend domestic political pressures or religious bias.

Summary

During the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the NGO CAP Freedom of Conscience formally addressed the ongoing pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee. As the founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Lee’s continued incarceration at the Seoul Detention Center has drawn sharp criticism regarding the Republic of Korea’s adherence to international human rights standards. Concerns center on the lack of medical necessity for detention, particularly given the elderly leader's age and the extreme environmental conditions he has faced.

Advocates argue that the detention is a politically driven act of discrimination against a religious minority, violating core international treaties. By ignoring the criteria for pretrial detention as a measure of last resort, authorities are allegedly disregarding Article 9 of the ICCPR and the Nelson Mandela Rules. The NGO emphasizes that Lee’s status as a veteran and his fixed residence negate any logical flight risk, rendering his current imprisonment both punitive and disproportionate.

CAP Freedom of Conscience is now calling on the international community to demand immediate action from South Korean officials. The organization insists that the state must provide alternatives to detention, facilitate an independent medical assessment, and ensure a transparent, impartial legal process. This case serves as a critical test for the protection of freedom of religion and belief within the region, highlighting the ongoing struggle against systemic bias targeting religious organizations.

UN Human Rights Council Urged to Intervene in Detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee

GTTP

CAP Freedom of Conscience formally challenges the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee at the UN.
The detention is criticized as a discriminatory, politically motivated action targeting a religious minority.
Advocates cite violations of the ICCPR and the Nelson Mandela Rules regarding humane treatment and detention proportionality.
The NGO demands immediate alternatives to incarceration, independent medical evaluations, and a fair, impartial trial for the defendant.