Rights groups raise concerns over religious freedom in South Korea

The concerns were raised during a press conference in Seoul organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF, CESNUR and Bitter Winter. 

The organisations called on authorities to reconsider the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee, saying the legal response should be "neutral, proportionate, and consistent with South Korea's international human-rights obligations." They also raised concerns over the treatment of 83-year-old Family Federation leader Hak-ja Han Moon.

The groups said the cases reflect broader concerns over freedom of religion or belief in South Korea, citing the continued scrutiny of Segero Church in Busan, issues surrounding conscientious objection to military service, opposition to a mosque project in Daegu and questions over religious accommodation in schools.

Opening the conference, HRWF Associate Director Hans Noot said the issues go beyond individual religious organisations.

"These issues lie at the heart of democratic society. When religious communities are stigmatized, peaceful gatherings are restricted, and dissent is treated as a problem to be contained, the consequences extend far beyond any single group or case." Noot said. 

He added that the conference was "not about defending any one theology or movement, but about defending a principle: that fundamental rights apply equally to all."

CAP Liberté de Conscience President Thierry Valle questioned whether detaining a 95-year-old defendant before trial was consistent with South Korea's international obligations.

Valle said, arguing that democratic countries have more proportionate and humane alternatives, including house arrest, for elderly defendants facing non-violent charges.

"The presumption of innocence must prevail over any presumption of guilt," said Valle 

FOREF Germany Executive Director Michael Langhans said the case raises broader questions about whether election-related laws can be enforced without infringing constitutionally protected religious freedoms, while CESNUR Managing Director Massimo Introvigne argued South Korea had "crossed a worrying line" by imprisoning Chairman Lee, saying international standards would favour house arrest over detention for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offence.

The organisations also criticised South Korea's alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors, arguing that the 36-month programme remains punitive because it is twice the length of regular military service. 

They called on South Korean authorities, the media and the international community to closely examine the issues and signed a joint letter urging the immediate release of Chairman Lee from custody.