UN Human Rights Council hears concerns over Lee Man-hee detention

The detention of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has been raised before the UN Human Rights Council, with a rights group calling for his case to be handled in line with international human rights standards.

CAP Freedom of Conscience raised the case during the general debate under Item 3 of the Council’s 63rd session on September 18, 2026.

The organisation expressed concern over Lee’s pretrial detention at Seoul Detention Center, describing the charges as non-violent and questioning the necessity and proportionality of continued detention.

It also raised concerns about his detention conditions during Seoul’s heatwave, particularly the lack of air conditioning in his cell, given his age.

CAP Freedom of Conscience said the case raises issues under international standards, including Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on arbitrary detention, Article 10 on humane treatment and Article 18 on freedom of religion or belief.

The organisation urged South Korean authorities to consider alternatives to pretrial detention, provide an independent medical assessment and ensure a fair and impartial trial.

Lee, a veteran of the Korean War, founded the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a religious movement based in South Korea.

The concerns were presented during the Council’s general debate on the promotion and protection of human rights. The statement does not constitute a ruling by the Human Rights Council on the merits of Lee’s case.