SEOUL, South Korea – The detention and prosecution of 95-year-old religious leader Lee Man-hee has drawn growing international scrutiny, with religious freedom advocates warning that the case raises serious questions about human rights, judicial independence, and the treatment of minority faith groups in South Korea.
Chairman Lee, founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was taken into custody on June 24 and formally indicted on June 30 on allegations that he orchestrated the enrollment of approximately 50,000 church members into South Korea’s conservative People Power Party between 2021 and 2024 to influence party primaries.
The charges, which do not involve allegations of violence, have prompted condemnation from international religious freedom organizations and scholars who argue that detaining a nonviolent, elderly religious leader is disproportionate and inconsistent with international human rights standards.
Among the most vocal critics is Massimo Introvigne, an internationally recognized sociologist of religion, who described the detention as “a stain on South Korea’s democratic credentials” in articles published by Bitter Winter.
Concerns Over Treatment of Elderly Religious Leaders
Dr. Introvigne argued that imprisoning a 95-year-old religious figure over allegations unrelated to violent crime falls short of the proportionality standards outlined in international legal frameworks, including the United Nations’ Mandela Rules governing the treatment of prisoners.
He also linked Lee’s detention to legal proceedings involving Han Hak-ja, the 83-year-old leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, suggesting that a troubling pattern may be emerging in which elderly religious leaders are subjected to physical detention.
“This is not an issue confined to a single religious group,” Introvigne wrote. “A pattern is emerging in which physical detention is repeatedly used against elderly religious leaders.”
In response to Lee’s arrest, Shincheonji Church stated that its chairman and the organization had fully cooperated with investigators throughout the probe, including search-and-seizure operations. The church characterized the detention as an unnecessary and punitive measure against a man of advanced age.
Justice Minister’s Remarks Draw Criticism
The controversy deepened following comments by South Korean Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, who announced on social media that Lee had been indicted while in detention and declared that “strict criminal punishment corresponding to its responsibility is inevitable.”
The minister concluded his message by citing Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets.”
The statement immediately sparked criticism from religious freedom advocates, who argued that a senior government official overseeing the justice system should avoid remarks that could be interpreted as prejudging the outcome of an ongoing criminal case.
Dr. Introvigne contended that the minister’s comments risk undermining public confidence in judicial neutrality and could be viewed as signaling the government’s position before the courts have rendered a verdict.
He further argued that the use of a biblical passage appearing to cast the defendant in a negative light raises concerns about the state’s obligation to remain neutral on religious matters.
Debate Centers on Alleged Coercion
At the core of the case is the question of whether church members were coerced into joining a political party.
Prosecutors allege that the enrollment campaign was organized and directed by church leadership, amounting to a coordinated effort to influence political processes.
Shincheonji Church rejects those allegations, maintaining that members joined political organizations voluntarily and were not compelled through force, pressure, or official directives.
Legal observers say the trial is likely to focus heavily on evidence regarding coercion and whether participation by church members constituted unlawful political manipulation or protected civic engagement.
Introvigne warned that the charges could set a troubling precedent if ordinary political participation is criminalized simply because it involves members of a religious minority.
“Shincheonji members, like any other South Korean citizens, have the right to join a political party and support a candidate,” he argued.
International Attention Intensifies
The case is increasingly being viewed internationally as a broader test of South Korea’s commitment to democratic principles, religious liberty, and equal treatment under the law.
According to Introvigne, the issue extends beyond the guilt or innocence of any individual defendant and instead examines whether democratic institutions afford controversial or minority religious groups the same legal protections granted to other citizens.
He cautioned that public statements by senior officials that appear to influence judicial proceedings could erode confidence in the rule of law and weaken protections for freedom of religion and political participation.
“A genuine democracy,” he wrote, “must guarantee the same procedures and rights to minority groups as to everyone else.”
As legal proceedings move forward, international human rights advocates and religious freedom organizations are expected to continue monitoring the case closely, viewing it as a significant benchmark for South Korea’s adherence to democratic norms and international human rights standards.
