NEW DELHI — On August 17, 2026, members of the Human Rights Welfare and Justice Association, led by Director Mr. Piyush Sharma, convened a rally at Jantar Mantar to demand the immediate release of Mr. Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji. The demonstration highlighted serious concerns regarding the deteriorating health of the elderly leader and the legal justifications for his immediate release under both South Korean domestic law and international human rights frameworks.
Advocating on a pro bono basis, the Association organized the rally to draw international attention to what they describe as an unlawful detention of an unwell, elderly man. Speaking to the media during the rally, the Director of Legal Affairs for the Human Rights Welfare and Justice Association emphasized that Mr. Lee’s continued imprisonment violates fundamental principles of human rights and justice.
“We are here today to demand that the South Korean government release Mr. Lee Man-hee immediately,” the Director of Legal Affairs stated. “He is 95 years old, in declining health, and his continued detention is not only inhumane but legally unjustifiable. We call upon South Korea to honor its own legal statutes as well as its commitments to international human rights.”
Following the rally at Jantar Mantar, representatives from the Association proceeded to the South Korean Embassy in New Delhi to formally submit a memorandum outlining their demands and legal arguments. Upon arrival, embassy officials refused to accept the document. Undeterred, the delegation subsequently sent the memorandum to the embassy via Speed Post. The delivery has since been confirmed, and the Association is currently awaiting an official response or action from the South Korean authorities.
The Legal Case for Release: South Korean and International Law
The Human Rights Welfare and Justice Association’s demand for Mr. Lee’s release is grounded firmly in established legal frameworks, specifically the Republic of Korea’s Criminal Procedure Act and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Under South Korean law, there are explicit provisions for the suspension of detention based on humanitarian grounds. Article 101 of the CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT permits a court to suspend the execution of detention and release a defendant to the care of relatives or protective institutions when a “probable cause exists,” which historically includes severe illness or advanced age where continued incarceration poses a significant risk to life. Furthermore, under Article 102, a court has the authority to revoke the suspension of execution of detention, but this must be balanced against the defendant’s condition. The Association argues that detaining a 95-year-old man who is demonstrably unwell clearly meets the criteria for suspension under Article 101.
On the international stage, South Korea is a state party to the ICCPR, which establishes fundamental protections for individuals deprived of their liberty. Article 9(1) of the ICCPR states that “Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person,” and mandates that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.” The continued detention of an elderly individual whose health is failing, without adequate medical justification or accommodation, can be construed as arbitrary and inhumane.
Moreover, Article 10(1) of the ICCPR dictates that “All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.” The Association contends that maintaining the incarceration of a 95-year-old man experiencing severe health issues violates this principle of inherent dignity. International human rights standards consistently advocate for compassionate release or alternative detention arrangements for elderly prisoners with failing health, recognizing that prison environments are often ill-equipped to provide necessary geriatric and specialized medical care.
The Human Rights Welfare and Justice Association remains resolute in its mission. The ball is now in the court of the South Korean Embassy and its government. The international community, human rights observers, and the advocates who gathered at Jantar Mantar are watching closely to see if South Korea will uphold the rule of law both its own and the international treaties it has sworn to uphold and grant Mr. Lee Man-hee the compassionate release of his age and health demand.
