Hyderabad – International legal experts, civil society representatives, and human rights advocates gathered at the Hyderabad Press Club in solidarity to address concerns over religious freedom and freedom of expression in South Korea. The event coincided with an international press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club, organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) together with CESNUR, CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), and FOREF.

The coalition expressed concern over what it described as discriminatory treatment of minority religious communities, particularly the pre-trial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Concerns Raised by International Experts :

Massimo Introvigne (CESNUR) stated that imprisoning a 95-year-old non-violent defendant is inconsistent with international standards, including the UN Mandela Rules, and emphasized that detention of elderly individuals should be a last resort, with humanitarian alternatives such as house arrest considered. Michael Langhans (FOREF) criticized public statements by senior officials made before trial, arguing that they undermine the presumption of innocence and interfere with judicial independence.

Speakers also highlighted Chairman Lee's service as a Korean War veteran and his role as a global peace advocate, stressing that he deserves humane treatment and respect. Representatives including Hans Noot (HRWF) and Thierry Valle (CAP LC) stated that investigations and detentions of peaceful religious groups raise concerns regarding compliance with international human rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Participants at the Hyderabad Press Club followed the Seoul conference live and reaffirmed their commitment to religious freedom and judicial justice. The program concluded with remarks by Professor Vinod Kumar of the National Law University (NLU) and a collective call to uphold freedom of religion and the rule of law.

• Immediately review the detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee and ensure his release or humanitarian home confinement.

• Uphold the presumption of innocence by preventing public interference and Prejudicial. End discrimination against peaceful minority religious communities and fully protect the freedoms of religion, conscience, and expression in accordance with international human rights standards.