On September 18, 2026, CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement during the General Debate under Item 3 of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, focusing on the promotion and protection of all human rights. The statement highlighted the case of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a Korean War veteran, who is currently held in pre-trial detention at the Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea on nonviolent charges.
CAP Freedom of Conscience expressed serious concern over the conditions of Chairman Lee's detention, describing what appears to be a politically motivated and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority. Despite having a fixed residence and posing no flight risk, Chairman Lee was held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul's most severe heatwave. This raises grave concerns about the health and well-being of the 95-year-old detainee, who is particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
The organization recalled that such treatment runs counter to the Republic of Korea's international obligations. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires detention to be necessary and proportionate. Article 10 guarantees humane treatment. The Nelson Mandela Rules entitle detainees to healthcare equivalent to that available in the community. The Tokyo Rules make pre-trial detention a measure of last resort. Article 18 protects freedom of religion or belief—a fundamental right that CAP Freedom of Conscience believes has been violated in this case.
CAP Freedom of Conscience urged the Council to call on the Republic of Korea to honor its treaty obligations by offering alternatives to detention, allowing an independent medical assessment, and ensuring a fair and impartial trial. The case underscores broader concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and the use of pre-trial detention for nonviolent offenses.
This development matters because it brings international scrutiny to South Korea's judicial practices and its compliance with human rights standards. If the allegations are substantiated, they could signal a troubling pattern of suppressing religious freedom through legal means. The outcome of this case may influence how the international community addresses similar situations elsewhere, potentially setting a precedent for the protection of elderly detainees and religious leaders. For readers, it highlights the importance of upholding human rights obligations and the role of UN mechanisms in holding states accountable.
The statement also draws attention to the broader implications for religious freedom and the treatment of minorities in South Korea. As the international community watches, the response from the Republic of Korea could affect its standing on human rights and its relations with international bodies. The case of Chairman Lee serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or age.
