Human rights groups raise alarm over religious freedom pressure in South Korea

International human rights organizations have voiced serious concerns regarding religious freedom and freedom of expression in South Korea. In a press conference held in Seoul, representatives from organizations including Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP Liberté de Conscience, the European Forum for Religious Freedom (FOREF), and CESNUR highlighted issues surrounding the treatment of religious leaders.

A key focus of the organizations' concern is the pre-trial detention of elderly religious figures. They specifically urged South Korean authorities to reconsider the detention of 95-year-old Lee Man-hee, chairman of the Shincheonji Church, and 83-year-old Han Moon, from the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. Human rights advocates argue that legal and administrative measures applied to religious minorities should be neutral, proportionate, and align with South Korea's international human rights commitments.

The discussions at the conference also addressed the situation of the Segero Church in Busan, the issue of conscientious objection to military service, protests against mosque construction in Daegu, and the protection of religious rights within educational institutions. The plight of Jehovah's Witnesses, who have faced prosecution for refusing military service based on their beliefs, was also brought up. While an alternative service has been introduced, critics point out its stringent conditions, including a 36-month duration.

Representatives emphasized that their advocacy is not for any specific religious group but for the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals. Following the press conference, the participating organizations signed a letter addressed to the South Korean government, calling for Lee Man-hee's release from pre-trial detention. Lee Man-hee was arrested in June on charges of compelling tens of thousands of followers to join a political party, accusations that he and his church deny, asserting their cooperation with the investigation and the disproportionate nature of his detention.