Pre-trial Detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee Brought Before UN Human Rights Council
CAP Freedom of Conscience Delivers Oral Statement During General Debate
NEW YORK, NY, October 01, 2026 -- 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 devoted to the promotion and protection of all human rights.
The statement highlights 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 being held in pre-trial detention at the Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea on nonviolent charges.
CAP Freedom of Conscience expresses serious concern over the conditions of Chairman Lee's detention and what appears to be a politically motivated and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority. Despite his fixed residence and the absence of any flight risk, Chairman Lee was held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul's most severe heatwave, raising grave concerns about the health and well-being of the 95-year-old detainee.
The statement recalls that such treatment runs counter to the Republic of Korea's international obligations: Article 9 of the 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; and 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 urges 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.
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