Lee Man-hee case brought before UN Human Rights Council

The case of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has been brought before the United Nations Human Rights Council. Lee is currently held in pretrial detention in Seoul, South Korea, facing allegations related to non-violent actions.

During a general debate at the UN Human Rights Council, the organization CAP Freedom of Conscience raised concerns regarding what they describe as politically motivated and discriminatory investigations against a religious minority. The organization highlighted the precarious health of the elderly leader, noting that he is being held in cells without air conditioning during a severe heatwave in Seoul.

CAP Freedom of Conscience argued that these detention conditions and the nature of the investigation may violate international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Nelson Mandela Rules, which mandate humane treatment and access to medical care for detainees.