Beyond Theology: Why International Legal Experts and Domestic Leaders Demand Due Process in South Korea

When international human rights experts and domestic civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on August 7, 2026, their message was unambiguous: defending religious freedom is not about endorsing specific theological doctrines, but about safeguarding universal human rights principles.

Organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, the press conference addressed growing concerns over state neutrality, procedural fairness, and the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

International Law and Precedents: The Principle of Proportionality

A central argument raised by international experts focuses on South Korea’s legal obligations under global treaties. Having ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, South Korea is bound to apply detention strictly when necessary and proportional.

Thierry Valle, President of CAP-LC, questioned whether pre-trial detention of an ultra-elderly nonagenarian aligns with these international obligations, emphasizing that humanitarian alternatives such as bail or house arrest are standard practice globally. He cited clear international precedents:

• Hong Kong (2022): Cardinal Joseph Zen was granted bail despite heavy charges.

• Vietnam: Venerable Thich Quang Do was placed under house arrest rather than physical imprisonment.

Dr. Massimo Introvigne (CESNUR) further cited the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), pointing out that non-violent charges against a 95-year-old individual warrant house arrest rather than physical incarceration.

Academic Research: The Real-World Impact of Stigmatization

The experts also cautioned against the societal dangers of public stigmatization. Mark Nemesi, Deputy Director of CESNUR, presented findings from three recent academic studies conducted on Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia.

The research revealed that negative social narratives and government-led labeling in South Korea create ripple effects abroad, directly undermining the rights of international adherents guaranteed under ICCPR Articles 18 and 19 (Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion).

Experts warned that when state authorities or media outlets utilize theological labels like "cult" or "false prophets," it compromises investigative neutrality and erodes the presumption of innocence.

Domestic Solidarity: Buddhist and Veteran Voices for Universal Rights

Importantly, concerns over judicial fairness extended beyond international observers. Representatives from domestic religious and civic sectors also joined the call for fair treatment:

• Venerable Beopsan (President of the Daegak Buddhist Jogye Order): Reaffirmed that while the state must enforce the law, it must never act as a "theological judge." He emphasized that a healthy democracy is measured by how it protects minority rights and upholds universal human dignity.

• Ryu Jae-shik (Seoul Chapter Head of the 6·25 Korean War Veterans Association): Highlighting Chairman Lee's status as a Korean War veteran, Mr. Ryu urged authorities to set aside prejudice and grant trial without physical detention on humanitarian grounds.

A Call to Uphold International Human Rights Standards

Following the press conference, participating international delegates signed a formal statement and personally delivered a petition to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK).

By grounding their appeal in international treaty obligations, academic research, and cross-religious solidarity, the delegates called on South Korea’s judicial institutions to demonstrate democratic maturity, uphold due process, and apply proportional humanitarian measures.

Source: https://vo.la/BlVPawp