European Scholars Urge South Korea to Release 95-Year-Old Religious Leader Lee Man-hee

Prominent European scholars and human rights advocates are calling for the immediate release of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church Chairman Lee Man-hee, who remains in detention following charges related to political party registration. Experts at the European Academy of Religion highlighted the case during a recent conference, labeling the incarceration of an elderly individual for non-violent, alleged electoral violations as a significant breach of international human rights standards.

Dr. Massimo Introvigne and other international observers have criticized the move, arguing that such detention violates the United Nations' Mandela Rules regarding the treatment of elderly prisoners. Advocates emphasize that the legal actions against Chairman Lee appear to be a politically motivated campaign rather than a legitimate judicial process, threatening South Korea’s standing as a champion of democratic values and constitutional freedoms.

As international pressure mounts, global human rights organizations have formally petitioned the United Nations, citing concerns over religious freedom and the presumption of innocence. The continued detention of Chairman Lee is increasingly viewed as a litmus test for South Korea’s commitment to state neutrality, non-discrimination, and the protection of fundamental human rights within its borders.