Concerns Raised at European Academy of Religion’s International Conference Held in Rome—Strong Appeals Over Violation of International Law
PRWire Updates on Chairman Lee’s Situation
The recent international conference held by the European Academy of Religion (EuARe) in Rome has brought to the forefront serious concerns regarding the detention of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old Chairman of the Shincheonji Church. Scholars at the conference voiced strong appeals to the South Korean government for his immediate release, highlighting possible violations of international law and human rights.
The Circumstances Surrounding Chairman Lee’s Detention
Chairman Lee was detained on June 24, 2023, facing charges that include violations of the Political Parties Act. The Joint Police–Prosecution Investigation Headquarters accused him of orchestrating the mass registration of around 50,000 church members into a specific political party. Following his detention, the church emphasized that participation in political activities was voluntary for its members and that both Chairman Lee and the organization had cooperated fully with authorities during the investigation process. The church expressed dismay, arguing that imprisoning an elderly man like Chairman Lee is tantamount to physical punishment.
Scholars Against Detaining the Elderly for Non-Violent Allegations
The Ninth Annual Conference of the EuARe, held on July 3, was a platform where concerns about Chairman Lee’s detention were discussed extensively. Scholars, including Dr. Massimo Introvigne, noted that European legislation generally mandates that individuals over 80 should be spared from imprisonment unless absolutely necessary and only for serious crimes involving violence. Dr. Introvigne remarked, “What Korea is doing to this elderly religious leader is in violation of international law, including the United Nations’ so-called Mandela Rules.” He characterized the prevailing situation as “an unmitigated scandal,” indicating a potential political and religious vendetta.
Calls for Respecting Human Dignity
Eric Roux, President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF), echoed the sentiment that detaining a 95-year-old is incompatible with respecting human dignity. Roux implored, “Even if the accusations are true, we must question the morality of imprisoning an elderly man.” He urged the South Korean government to expedite a review of this case, emphasizing how damaging it could be for South Korea’s global reputation.
Human Rights Concerns from Legal Experts
Human rights lawyer Alessandro Amicarelli also expressed alarm at the government actions against Chairman Lee. He underscored that South Korea has historically been regarded as a beacon of democracy where human rights are paramount. “What’s happening now is truly shocking,” Amicarelli stated. He further asserted, “It is unacceptable for a religious leader, especially one of advanced age, to be subjected to this kind of pressure.” He offered strong support for Shincheonji in their struggle against perceived abuse and persecution, reiterating the importance of adhering to democratic values.
International Organizations Raise Human Rights Issues
The predicament surrounding Shincheonji Church has escalated into an international human rights concern. Notably, the organizations United for Human Rights and Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP-LC) have submitted a joint statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This statement underscores that framing members’ activities in political contexts as evidence of collusion is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The organizations claim that the South Korean government has not only intensified its scrutiny of Shincheonji but has also labeled the group as a “criminal organization,” further exacerbating the situation.
An Increasing Pressure on the South Korean Government
The calls for Chairman Lee’s release are growing louder, with public figures worldwide expressing support for the cause. Shincheonji Church maintains that the international backing serves to elevate the conversation around freedom of religion and human rights, core tenets of any democratic society. As more organizations and scholars rally for Chairman Lee’s freedom, the pressure on the South Korean government to act is mounting, reflecting a broader discourse on human rights adherence and the treatment of religious leaders in modern democracies.
This evolving situation highlights the intersection of religion, politics, and human rights, encapsulating deep-seated issues that demand urgent attention from governments and international bodies alike.