UN Rights Council Hears Concerns Over Detention of Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee

What the report says

Concerns about the pretrial detention of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, were raised at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, according to Watchdog Uganda. CAP Freedom of Conscience delivered an oral statement on September 18 during the council’s general debate under Item 3, and the UN transcript reportedly confirms that Lee’s case was mentioned.

The group said Lee, a Korean War veteran, is being held at Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea on non-violent charges. It urged that the case be considered in light of international human rights standards, including protections tied to detention, humane treatment, and freedom of religion or belief. The organization also said Lee has a fixed residence and does not appear to pose a flight risk.

Watchdog Uganda reported that the statement raised concern about the conditions of Lee’s confinement during a heatwave in Seoul, including allegations that he was kept in cells without air conditioning despite his advanced age. CAP Freedom of Conscience asked the council to encourage South Korean authorities to consider alternatives to detention, arrange an independent medical assessment, and ensure a fair and impartial process.

The article says Lee’s legal case remains before South Korean courts and that the allegations have not been established as final findings. It also notes that South Korean media have reported earlier health-related suspension of detention, though those claims were not independently detailed in the article.