CAP Freedom of Conscience calls for alternatives to detention, independent medical assessment and a fair trial
GENEVA — Concerns over the pretrial detention and treatment of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus leader Lee Man-hee have been raised before the United Nations Human Rights Council.
CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement on September 18 during the general debate under Item 3 of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, which addresses the promotion and protection of all human rights. The UN transcript confirms that the organisation raised Lee’s case during the session.
Lee, the founder and chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a Korean War veteran, is facing non-violent charges in the Republic of Korea and has been held in pretrial detention at the Seoul Detention Center.
In its statement, CAP Freedom of Conscience expressed concern about what it described as a potentially politically driven and discriminatory investigation involving a religious minority. The organisation also raised concerns about the conditions of Lee’s detention, particularly during a severe heatwave in Seoul.
According to the organisation, Lee has a fixed residence and presents no flight risk, yet was held in cells without air conditioning during the heatwave. CAP Freedom of Conscience said the conditions raised particular concerns given his age.
The organisation argued that Lee’s detention and treatment should be assessed against South Korea’s international human rights obligations, including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
It cited Article 9 of the ICCPR on the necessity and proportionality of detention, Article 10 on humane treatment of people deprived of their liberty, and Article 18 on freedom of religion or belief. It also referred to the Nelson Mandela Rules on healthcare for prisoners and the Tokyo Rules concerning alternatives to pretrial detention.
CAP Freedom of Conscience called on the Human Rights Council to urge the Republic of Korea to consider alternatives to detention, facilitate an independent medical assessment of Lee and ensure that proceedings against him are conducted fairly and impartially.
The organisation’s intervention comes as Lee’s case continues before South Korean courts. South Korean media have reported that he faces allegations relating to the alleged forced enrolment of followers in the People Power Party and that his detention has previously been temporarily suspended on health grounds.
Lee’s legal status remains a matter before the South Korean judicial system, and the allegations against him have not been presented as a final finding of guilt.
CAP Freedom of Conscience said its intervention before the Human Rights Council was intended to draw international attention to questions of pretrial detention, humane treatment, religious freedom and due process in the case.
The 63rd session of the Human Rights Council is taking place in Geneva from September 7 to October 7, 2026.
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