South Korea detains 95‑year‑old Shincheonji leader Lee Man‑hee, sparking international criticism

South Korean authorities took 95‑year‑old Lee Man‑hee, chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, into custody on 24 June 2026 and formally indicted him on 30 June for alleged violations of the Political Parties Act. Prosecutors allege Lee organised the enrolment of about 50,000 Shincheonji members into the People Power Party to influence presidential and parliamentary primaries.

Justice Minister Jeong Seong‑ho posted on social media that “strict criminal punishment corresponding to its responsibility is inevitable” and quoted Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets.” Scholars such as Dr Massimo Introvigne warned that “the detention of an elderly religious leader violates international standards,” citing the UN Mandela Rules and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

International religious‑freedom advocates and human‑rights groups have criticised the pre‑trial detention as disproportionate, especially given the lack of violent allegations. The Shincheonji Church said it has fully cooperated with investigators and described the detention as an unnecessary physical burden on an elderly man.