A prominent Indian law professor and human rights activist has issued a formal condemnation of the arrest and pre-trial detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, calling the action "grossly illegal and unjustified."

Professor Vinod Kumar, a Professor of Law and Additional Director at the National Judicial Academy of India, released an appeal today criticizing the decision by the Seoul Central District Court to detain Chairman Lee following his arrest on June 24, 2026.

Chairman Lee was arrested on warrants issued by the court on allegations that he violated the Political Parties Act by conspiring to mobilize tens of thousands of church followers to join the Conservative People Power Party ahead of major elections between 2021 and 2024. Despite over 30 days having passed since his arrest, the Seoul Central District Court police have successfully argued against his release on bail, citing claims that his influence could allow him to destroy evidence or sway witnesses.

In his appeal, Prof. Kumar argues that the detention is a form of religious persecution against a minority church. He asserts that the arrest violates Chairman Lee’s fundamental right to religious freedom, which is protected both under the South Korean Constitution and international law, specifically Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which safeguards freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

"The arrest and detention of a 95-year-old religious leader is a violation of his basic human rights and dignity," Prof. Kumar stated. "Under international law, pre-trial detention is strictly prohibited when it is arbitrary, which is the case here."

Legal Grounds for Condemnation

Prof. Kumar outlined seven specific legal and human rights grounds for his condemnation of the detention:

1. Violation of Religious Freedom: The arrest constitutes religious persecution against a minority church.

2. Arbitrary Detention: The detention violates Article 9 of the ICCPR, which prohibits arbitrary arrest or detention.

3. Age and Health Concerns: At 95 years old, Chairman Lee may suffer from age-related medical conditions, making his continued custody an infringement on his dignity.

4. No Risk of Flight: As a permanent citizen with his passport already impounded and a known residence, there is no risk of him absconding.

5. Failure to Meet International Legal Standards: Pre-trial detention is only justified when charges are supported by credible evidence, the detention is necessary and proportionate, proceedings are free from discrimination, and no milder alternative exists. Prof. Kumar argues none of these conditions are met.

6. Legally Questionable Arrest: While the state can detain religious leaders for criminal offenses, doing so based on religious beliefs is unjustified.

7. Cooperation with Authorities: Chairman Lee has been cooperating fully with the investigation, negating any need for continued custody.

Prof. Kumar also pointed to a history of legal challenges against the Chairman, noting a previous prosecution in 2021 for allegedly violating COVID-19 health protocols after half of his followers tested positive. In that instance, the court acquitted him due to a lack of evidence.

The law professor suggests that the current legal action may be influenced by external pressures, noting, "Shincheonji Church being a minority church, it seems some of the Christian churches in South Korea are trying to tarnish the image of Chairman Lee, creating immense public opinion against him."

Prof. Kumar formally appealed to the authorities of South Korea to release Mr. Lee Man-hee as soon as possible, emphasizing that the legal standards required for pre-trial detention have not been met.

"This continuous detention is illegal and unjustified," the appeal reads. "I hereby condemn the illegal pre-arrest and detention of Chairman Lee."

The Seoul Central District Court has yet to issue a public response to the international criticism. The case continues to draw attention to the intersection of religious freedom, political activity, and legal procedures in South Korea.