GENEVA, Oct. 4 (LINA) — CAP Freedom of Conscience has raised concerns over the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee, founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, during the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The organization delivered an oral statement during the Council’s General Debate under Item 3, which focuses on the promotion and protection of all human rights.
In its statement, CAP Freedom of Conscience expressed concern over what it described as a potentially politically driven and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority in the Republic of Korea.
Chairman Lee, a veteran of the Korean War, is currently being held in pretrial detention at the Seoul Detention Center over what the organization described as non-violent charges.
CAP Freedom of Conscience also raised concerns about the conditions under which the 95-year-old is being detained, particularly during Seoul’s severe heatwave.
According to the organization, Chairman Lee was held in cells without air conditioning despite his advanced age, a situation it said raised serious concerns about his health and well-being.
The organization argued that the detention and treatment of Chairman Lee should be assessed against the Republic of Korea’s international human rights obligations.
It cited Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which addresses the necessity and proportionality of detention, as well as Article 10, which requires humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty.
CAP Freedom of Conscience also referenced the Nelson Mandela Rules, which establish international standards for the treatment of prisoners, including access to healthcare equivalent to that available in the community.
The organization further cited the Tokyo Rules, which promote alternatives to imprisonment and establish pretrial detention as a measure of last resort.It also invoked Article 18 of the ICCPR, which protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion, arguing that freedom of religion or belief is a key consideration in the case.
CAP Freedom of Conscience called on the Human Rights Council to urge the Republic of Korea to uphold its international treaty obligations in handling the case.
The organization specifically urged authorities to consider alternatives to detention, facilitate an independent medical assessment of Chairman Lee, and ensure that he receives a fair and impartial trial.
The statement places the case within broader international discussions on pretrial detention, the treatment of elderly detainees, religious freedom and the protection of human rights.
CAP Freedom of Conscience is based in Paris, France, and advocates on issues concerning freedom of conscience and religion or belief.