Detained at 95: South Korea's prosecution of religious leader draws international alarm

International scrutiny is intensifying over the detention and prosecution of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman Lee Man-hee, with religious freedom advocates also criticizing recent remarks by South Korea's Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho.

The controversy escalated after Minister Jeong announced on June 30 that Lee had been formally indicted while in detention. In a social media post, the minister said that "strict criminal punishment corresponding to its responsibility is inevitable" before quoting The Gospel of Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets."

The comments have drawn criticism from Dr. Massimo Introvigne, who argues they raise concerns about judicial impartiality and state neutrality toward religion.

Writing in Bitter Winter, a publication that focuses on religious freedom and human rights, Introvigne published two articles addressing the case. The first, released on June 24 following Lee's arrest, questioned the decision to detain the elderly religious leader. A second article, published on July 2, focused on the Justice Minister's public statements.

Concerns over detention

Chairman Lee was arrested on June 24 on charges including alleged violations of the Political Parties Act and formally indicted while remaining in custody on June 30.

Prosecutors allege that between July 2021 and January 2024, Lee directed the enrollment of approximately 50,000 Shincheonji members into South Korea's People Power Party in an effort to influence presidential and parliamentary primary elections.

Introvigne argues that detaining a 95-year-old religious leader over allegations that do not involve violence or other serious crimes falls short of international human rights standards, citing the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Mandela Rules, as well as principles established by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

He also drew comparisons with the separate detention of 83-year-old religious leader Han Hak-ja, saying the cases suggest a broader pattern in which elderly leaders of religious movements are subjected to physical detention.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has defended its chairman, saying Lee and the church cooperated fully throughout the investigation, including during search and seizure operations. The church described the detention as "in effect a physical punishment imposed on a 95-year-old suspect."

Criticism of Justice Minister's remarks

Introvigne said the timing of Minister Jeong's comments was particularly concerning, noting that the minister publicly called for "strict criminal punishment" on the same day Lee was formally indicted.

According to Introvigne, such remarks from the country's top justice official could be interpreted as prejudging an ongoing case and risk undermining public confidence in judicial independence.

He further argued that quoting a Bible verse portraying "false prophets" while commenting on a case involving a religious leader may conflict with the principle of state neutrality toward religion, particularly because statements by a sitting Justice Minister are likely to be viewed as reflecting the government's official position rather than a personal opinion.

Focus of the trial

The central legal issue is expected to be whether Shincheonji members were coerced into joining the political party.

Prosecutors maintain that the evidence points to an organized campaign of forced enrollment, while Shincheonji insists members joined voluntarily and were neither compelled nor directed to do so.

Introvigne contends that the prosecution must demonstrate coercion rather than mere political participation, arguing that members of religious minorities retain the same civic rights as other citizens, including the freedom to join political parties and support candidates.

Wider implications

According to Introvigne, the case has attracted attention among international religious freedom observers because it raises broader questions about whether democratic governments apply equal standards of justice and human rights to minority religious groups.

He warned that if public statements by senior officials are perceived as influencing judicial proceedings or limiting the political freedoms of believers, the consequences extend beyond a single trial and could weaken confidence in South Korea's commitment to the rule of law.

Describing the developments as "a stain on South Korea's democratic credentials," Introvigne said the case deserves close international attention as a test of the country's commitment to equal treatment under the law.