Oral statement on the situation of Chairman Lee Man-hee in pretrial detention in the Republic of Korea
Sep 30, 2026
General Debate under Item 3, 63rd session of the Human Rights Council STATEMENT BY CAP Liberté de Conscience (NGO with UN ECOSOC consultative status)
Brisbane, Queensland Sep 30, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - The case of Chairman Lee Man-hee before the Human Rights Council
On 18 September 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 raises the case of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and a veteran of the Korean War, who is currently held in pretrial detention at the Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea on non-violent charges.
CAP Freedom of Conscience expresses serious concern regarding what appears to be a politically driven and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority, as well as the conditions of detention. 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 for the health of a 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 pretrial detention a measure of last resort; and Article 18 protects freedom of religion or belief -- a right CAP Freedom of Conscience considers disregarded in this case.
CAP Freedom of Conscience urges the Council to call on the Republic of Korea to honour its treaty obligations by offering alternatives to detention, allowing an independent medical assessment, and ensuring a fair and impartial trial.
CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC)
Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience
CAP Freedom of Conscience is a secular European NGO with United Nations Consultative Status, created in 1995 and dedicated to protect the Right of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience combats all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief by alerting European and International bodies.
CAP Freedom of Conscience collects testimonies of discrimination and human rights violations affecting religious or belief communities in order to disseminate them to international bodies, and in order to raise awareness and inform them as well as to generate debate on the protection of Freedom of Religion and Belief.
CAP Freedom of Conscience also advocates for any religious or spiritual group facing discrimination to have their right to Freedom of Religion and Belief recognized.
CAP Freedom of Conscience is a member of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB), European Network Of Religion and Belief (ENORB) and participate to the Civil Society Platform of Fundamental Rights created by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
Statement Source & Video
CAP LC Video (YouTube)
CAP LC's own video of the full oral statement, as published on its website.
youtube.com/watch?v=lFdF4cvfSqE
UN Web TV (Source)
The official UN recording of the General Debate session.
webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k118fegrj7
Source Article
CAP Freedom of Conscience, "Oral statement on the situation of Chairman Lee Man-hee in pretrial detention in the Republic of Korea", 18 September 2026.
Source :CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC)
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
More News
People playing loud music on buses could face £100 fine
Antisocial behaviour on buses in England could lead to fines while a new campaign is also being launched for trains. A national campaign asking rail passengers "share the carriage, not the noise" is being launched.
China's growth accelerates as AI boom helps boost exports
Exports have helped offset weak spending at home, but trade tensions and AI doubts cloud its outlook.
Charities 'busier than ever' with furniture poverty
Charities in Hampshire tell the BBC that furniture poverty is becoming an increasing problem.
How a new generation of Sri Lankans is reshaping Colombo’s restaurant and bar scene
For decades, Colombo has been treated less as a cultural destination and more as a quick stopover between the Sri Lankan capital’s airport and the country’s more popular southern coast, where tourists flock to five-star resorts, beachside bars and premier surfing spots. That is beginning to change. As Sri Lanka continues to recover from a 26-year civil war (1983-2009) and the fallout from a recent economic crisis (2019-2024), there is new life in Colombo’s culinary and hospitality...
Anthropic says it will commit 5% of its shares to 'public benefit fund'
The announcement comes as Anthropic lays the ground for a blockbuster stock market listing.
Strong Exports Stabilize China’s Economic Growth in Official Statistics
A prolonged housing crash, sluggish consumer spending and plunging investment have left China dependent on exports to keep the economy growing.
From smart manufacturing to global markets: How Liuzhou makes it work
From smart manufacturing to global markets: How Liuzhou makes it work
Planning A Long Trip? Here Are 51 Products That May Come In Handy
Lucky you! Now let's get you packed and ready. View Entire Post ›
EU tariffs aimed at China hitting Ukraine, steel boss says
The boss of one of Ukraine's biggest steel companies says the country has been "bundled together" in measures aimed at curbing cheap imports.
Don't fall for this - how to protect yourself from AI scams
Trading standards officers say AI is "super-charging" existing scams through clones and fake websites.
What dementia care around the world teaches us about dignity, community, avoiding burnout
This is the 100th instalment in a series on dementia, including the research into its causes and treatment, advice for carers and stories of hope. When this series launched, my mother was still by my side. My first column explored what looking after her taught me about dementia. Now, as I write this 100th piece, I reflect on what dementia taught me about the nature of care itself. Before she was diagnosed with dementia – but likely as her memory began to fray – my mother was admitted to...
Home sellers cut asking prices on 3,000 properties a day
More property asking prices are being cut than at any time in 15 years, data shared with the BBC shows.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.