A European nongovernmental organization has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to call on South Korea to review the pretrial detention of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, citing concerns about his health, detention conditions and freedom of religion.
CAP Liberté de Conscience, also known as CAP Freedom of Conscience, raised the case during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on September 18, 2026, during a general debate on the promotion and protection of human rights.
In its statement, the organization expressed concern over what it described as a potentially politically motivated and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority in South Korea.
Lee, a veteran of the Korean War, is being held at the Seoul Detention Center on what the organization characterized as nonviolent charges. CAP said Lee’s fixed residence and the absence of an apparent flight risk raised questions about the necessity of his continued detention.
It also expressed concern that he had been held in cells without air conditioning during Seoul’s severe summer heatwave, potentially endangering his health at his age.
The organization argued that the circumstances raised concerns about South Korea’s international human rights obligations, including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights concerning arbitrary detention, humane treatment and freedom of religion or belief.
It also cited the Nelson Mandela Rules on the treatment of prisoners and the Tokyo Rules on noncustodial measures, which emphasize alternatives to detention.
CAP called on the Human Rights Council to urge South Korean authorities to consider alternatives to detention, permit an independent medical assessment and guarantee Lee a fair and impartial trial.
The statement did not provide details of the specific charges against Lee or include a response from South Korean authorities.
About CAP
CAP Liberté de Conscience is a secular European NGO established in 1995. It holds consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and advocates for freedom of religion or belief and protection against discrimination.
