Alexandru Tănase, former President of the Constitutional Court of Moldova, emphasised that the necessity and proportionality of the continued detention of ManHee Lee, Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, who is currently standing trial while detained, should be assessed by taking into account all relevant circumstances, including his age, health, and the risk of flight.

Tănase explained that, under the European legal framework, advanced age does not in itself exempt an individual from criminal proceedings. However, a person’s age may be an important consideration when courts assess whether pretrial detention is necessary and proportionate.

Tănase previously served as Minister of Justice of the Republic of Moldova, President of the Constitutional Court, and a member of the European Commission for Democracy through Law. As a specialist in constitutional law and human rights, he has extensive experience in judicial reform, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.

While stressing that he would not comment on the merits of an ongoing case in Korea or any other country, Tănase expressed confidence in Korea’s judicial system.

“I believe it is appropriate not to express an opinion on specific ongoing cases, whether in Korea or another country,” he said. “The Republic of Korea is a democratic nation with a well-established legal system, and I have full confidence that the Korean judiciary will judge this case in accordance with the law, the evidence submitted to the court, and the principles of a fair trial.”

At the same time, he noted that the principles established under the European Convention on Human Rights require any deprivation of personal liberty to be lawful and to constitute a necessary and proportionate measure aimed at achieving a legitimate purpose.

He explained that courts should generally consider the circumstances of each individual case as a whole, including the person’s age and health, the risk of flight, the possible effect on the proceedings, and whether the same legitimate objective could be achieved through less restrictive measures.

Tănase also stressed that respect for human dignity must remain a fundamental principle throughout the judicial process.

“Respect for human dignity is a fundamental principle that must be upheld throughout the entire judicial process,” he stated. “The proper administration of justice and the protection of individual rights are not conflicting values, but mutually complementary elements of the rule of law.”

Tănase further emphasised that judicial proceedings should not be influenced by public opinion, political pressure, or social prejudice.

“The most important duty of the court is to ensure that justice is conducted according to the law, not by public opinion or political expediency,” he said. “In every democratic society, courts function in an environment where social debate, media attention, and political views exist, but judges must make decisions solely on the basis of the law, the evidence submitted to the court, and the applicable legal standards.”

He explained that judicial independence should not be viewed as a privilege granted to judges, but rather as a safeguard designed to ensure that every citizen has access to an impartial and fair judicial process.

“The independence of the judiciary is not a privilege granted to judges,” Tănase said. Rather, it is “intended to ensure that the disputes of all citizens can be adjudicated by an impartial court.”

Tănase also highlighted the fundamental importance of the presumption of innocence.

“Everyone should be treated as innocent until proven guilty through a fair judicial process,” he stated.

According to Tănase, several principles are essential to ensuring judicial fairness and neutrality, including the independence of judicial institutions, security of judicial tenure, transparent procedures, well-reasoned judgments, equality of arms between the parties, and full respect for due process.

“These principles not only protect the rights of the parties involved in a case but also play a role in safeguarding public trust in the judiciary,” he said. “Ultimately, the legitimacy of the judiciary depends not on public popularity, but on how faithfully it adheres to fairness, neutrality, and the rule of law.”

Tănase identified fidelity to the law and the Constitution as a central principle throughout his legal career.

“Judges do not exist to satisfy public expectations or political interests,” he said. “It is a judge’s duty to apply the law fairly and independently while respecting the dignity and rights of every individual.”

He further emphasised that judicial independence, equality before the law, procedural fairness, and reasoned judgments are indispensable foundations of a democratic legal system.

Source: vo.la/bzwaUwm

Guri Traditional Market is one of the area’s representative traditional markets, with a history spanning more than 60 years since its beginnings as an alley market. Today, approximately 390 shops are in operation, and the market was officially designated as an accredited market in 2005. It has since grown into a major commercial hub, attracting around one million residents from Guri City and neighbouring areas.

To provide comfort and practical support to market merchants facing the challenges of the prolonged heatwave and economic downturn, while also revitalising the struggling commercial district, the Guri and Namyangju branches mobilised 38 volunteers at Guri Traditional Market for a dynamic "Market Shopping" campaign on 11th August.

Mr. A, who has operated a Korean restaurant in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, for the past 30 years, expressed concern about the growing opposition to the proposed change of use of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Gwacheon. Tensions have recently intensified in the area, including efforts to gather signatures against the proposed change.

Local merchants say business has already declined since the temple closed six years ago. They worry that continued opposition and exclusionary actions directed at Shincheonji could further hurt the surrounding commercial district and negatively affect local businesses.

In 2006, Shincheonji Church purchased the ninth floor of Newcore Department Store building situated in Byeoryang-dong, Gwacheon, changed the use of the location from “group of facilities for commerce” to “group of facilities for cultural activities and assembly,” and used it as a religious facility (church) for over 15 years without any objection from the city.

However, during the outbreak of COVID-19 in February 2020, the city arbitrarily shut down the church facility with no legal grounds. Even after the pandemic has effectively subsided, the city issued a notice in January 2023, requiring Shincheonji Church to use the venue strictly according to the purpose of cultural activities and assembly and threatened to impose charges for compelling compliance if this is violated. This was a move that practically banned religious activities.

Shincheonji Church subsequently filed twice to change the use of the facility into a religious location, but the city declined them, citing transportation, safety, complaints, community conflicts, etc. as reasons. However, the court dismissed these in full.

The day wasn’t just about items—it was about presence.

Volunteers offered services, helping the senior veterans feel refreshed and cared for.

“I suffered a lot because I joined the war at a young age,” said Mr. Ki-won Lee (90), adding, “I am grateful that you remembered the sacrifices I made back then and came to visit me in person.”

The families of the war veterans also expressed their appreciation to the volunteers. One veteran’s daughter said, “I was unaware that there were volunteer activities where people personally visit veterans’ homes and even clean their air conditioners.” She added, “I am truly grateful that they took the time to come and help despite the sweltering heat.”

Volunteer Mi-jeong Lee (55) reflected: “It broke my heart to see the elderly veterans struggling to make ends meet in the scorching heat. I will try to visit them often in the future.”

A representative from the Pocheon Branch highlighted that the project served a dual purpose: spreading a refreshing culture of community sharing during peak summer heat while providing a meaningful opportunity for everyday citizens to actively remember the sacrifices of 6·25 Korean War veterans.

At a press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club on 7th August, organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside several European organisations focused on freedom of religion and belief, the head of the Seoul branch of the Korean War Veterans Association called for a balanced approach that respects both the rule of law and human dignity.

Jae-sik Ryu shared that Shincheonji volunteers have continued to support and serve Korean War veterans through various volunteer and outreach activities. He emphasised that the issue is not about asking anyone to overlook wrongdoing, but about ensuring that the basic human rights and freedom of religion guaranteed to every Korean citizen are being fairly respected.

He also pointed out that ManHee Lee is a Korean War veteran and a very elderly person, urging authorities to consider not only legal procedures and public order, but also fundamental human dignity and life.

International human rights experts who attended the press conference likewise stressed that their concern was not to determine the outcome of a particular case in advance. Rather, they questioned whether freedom of religion and expression, the presumption of innocence, proportionality, and human dignity are being fully respected in the process of legal and administrative enforcement.

International human rights organisations also stated that they will continue monitoring the situation and raising concerns about the fundamental rights of religious minorities with the international community and European human rights institutions.

At the heart of the message is a simple principle: Law must be upheld, but human dignity and fundamental rights must never be forgotten.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to expand its community cooperation in Malawi through steady, hands-on volunteer work. In early August 2026, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus – Malawi Region carried out its 22nd “Light and Salt Day” environmental cleanup campaign in central Blantyre, in collaboration with the Blantyre City Council.

This latest activity reflects Shincheonji Malawi’s long-term commitment to environmental care and aligns with the Malawian government’s national “Keep Malawi Clean” policy.

During the 22nd cleanup alone, volunteers collected 1000 kilograms of waste from high-traffic commercial areas in central Blantyre. Since June 2025, Shincheonji Malawi has conducted monthly clean-up campaigns, bringing the total accumulated waste collected to 18,000 kg.

Since January 2026, the organisation has increased the frequency of cleanup activities to twice per month, reinforcing its role as a consistent community partner rather than a one-time participant.

Arguably, the most prominent change this year is the installation of waste cans and waste collection bins. With collection infrastructure established centred around the activity areas, household waste that used to pile up on the streets has started to be managed more systematically than before.

While campaigns pre-2026 focused on road cleanup in the Mbayani community, subsequent rounds have typically expanded into Blantyre’s urban centre—an area with dense commercial activity and higher waste output.

By moving into the city’s busiest zones, Shincheonji Malawi aims to make a visible impact while actively supporting local government sanitation efforts.

For many participants, the cleanup was more than a civic duty—it was a practical expression of faith.

“I wanted to practice what I learned in daily life,” said Hanreck Benford (22) from Mbayani. “Seeing the city become cleaner with our own hands was deeply rewarding. I want to keep taking part in activities that help our community.”

Such testimonies highlight how volunteer service has become an avenue for personal growth as well as social contribution.

A Shincheonji Malawi representative shared future plans, stating that the group intends to:

- Continue regular environmental cleanup activities

- More proactively assess locations for public waste bin installation and implement them in phases

- Expand cooperation into peace education programmes for youth and teenagers

“These efforts are about building a healthier, cleaner, and more harmonious community,” the representative explained.

Through eight consecutive clean-up campaigns and increasing collaboration with municipal authorities, Shincheonji Malawi is demonstrating how faith-based organisations can contribute meaningfully to public welfare.

By combining environmental action, government cooperation, and community participation, the initiative continues to bring tangible change to Blantyre—one cleanup at a time.

Source: vo.la/TnZbKj3

In recent years, a cultural trend known as “Text Hip” has emerged among younger generations, turning the reading and sharing of meaningful, thought-provoking texts into a fashionable and rewarding lifestyle. According to the 2025 National Reading Survey conducted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reading rates among people in their 20s have shown a noticeable recovery.

Yet, as young people increasingly seek opportunities for quiet reflection and shared reading, many traditional churches are experiencing the opposite trend: declining engagement with the Bible among younger members. This growing disconnect has raised concerns about the future of faith transmission to the next generation.

Against this backdrop, the Gwangju Church of the Peter Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus is attracting attention for fostering a distinctive, youth-led culture centred on “Reading Together,” creating a space where young people can explore Scripture, exchange ideas, and grow in faith together.

A survey on young adults’ perceptions of the church, published by the Cultural Mission Institute, found that many young people are seeking churches that provide “faithful scriptural guidance that offers genuine comfort and direction in life.”

Responding to these spiritual needs, Shincheonji Gwangju Church has developed a diverse range of structured Bible programmes, including full-text Scripture reading, daily devotionals (QT), verse transcription, and Scripture memorisation.

One of its flagship initiatives is “Revelation Morning Meditation and Memorisation.” Originally launched online in December 2021, the programme is now held every Thursday in both online and offline formats, attracting an average of 4500 young adults each week. Rather than approaching Scripture as abstract doctrine, participants are encouraged to memorise the Book of Revelation and apply its teachings to their everyday lives.

For more than two and a half years, the church has also provided all members with curated meditation guides every Monday. These resources aim to bridge the gap between biblical context and contemporary life, helping participants reflect on how Scripture can inform and respond to the challenges they encounter in their daily lives.

Beyond encouraging Bible reading, the initiative’s deeper impact lies in its ability to foster genuine human connection among young believers.

Sang-min Kim (35), a regular participant, shared: “Reading the Bible alone was always difficult to sustain. But reading it together made it a natural and enjoyable habit. Hearing how others apply the Word to their everyday struggles also gives me an opportunity to reflect on my own life.”

Another young member, Bo-hyun Park (29), emphasised the emotional support the programme provides: “Through sharing Scripture, I found an authentic community where I can comfortably open up about my life. Reading the text is important, but having people to process and share it with has given me tremendous strength.”

According to representatives of the Gwangju Church, the ultimate purpose of these gatherings goes beyond simply measuring how many pages participants read. Instead, the goal is to cultivate a healthy environment in which faith can grow alongside meaningful fellowship and genuine relationships.

By connecting the younger generation’s growing interest in “Text Hip” with the long-standing tradition of communal Bible study, Shincheonji is presenting a model in which Scripture serves as a shared foundation for connection and reflection. The initiative suggests that when young people are given opportunities to engage with Scripture in a supportive community, they can find not only spiritual direction but also meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.

When international human rights experts and domestic civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on 7th August 2026, their message was unambiguous: defending religious freedom is not about endorsing specific theological doctrines, but about safeguarding universal human rights principles.

Organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, the press conference addressed growing concerns over state neutrality, procedural fairness, and the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Following the press conference, the participating international delegates submitted a Statement to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), advocating for the humanitarian treatment of ultra-elderly detainees. What follows is the content of this petition, titled 'Statement to the Government of the Republic of Korea.'

"We, scholars and human rights activists from various European countries, respectfully submit this statement after visiting and meeting with Chairman Lee Man-hee and related officials on August 6, during which three of us met the Chairman at his place of detention. As academics, we have studied Shincheonji for many years: one of us has repeatedly interviewed Chairman Lee and authored what are widely regarded as the standard scholarly accounts of the movement; others have produced monographic studies on its international missionary development in several countries.

We hold the deepest respect for the democratic institutions of the Republic of Korea and have no desire to interfere with the functioning of its justice system. We note, however, that the case against Chairman Lee unfolds in a climate where media representations of Shincheonji as a “cult” often rely on polemical accounts by religious opponents who denounce it as “heresy,” while disregarding the findings of academic research.

We also observe that Korean legislation concerning the political participation of clergy is among the most restrictive in the world and may be difficult to reconcile with international norms affirming the right of believers to take part in political life. In several democratic countries, political parties inspired by religious organizations exist, and the United States is currently considering the removal of commissions limiting clergy from endorsing candidates.

Chairman Lee is ninety-five years old. In the European Union, from which we come, pre-trial detention for older defendants is considered an exceptional measure, permitted only when violent crimes are alleged—which is not the case here. In comparable situations, defendants are placed under house arrest.

This approach is consistent with the Mandela Rules and other United Nations standards.

For humanitarian reasons, and in accordance with international principles protecting older defendants, we respectfully request the immediate release of Chairman Lee from custody, so that he may stand trial without being held in detention."

Signed

Following the press conference, participating international delegates submitted a formal petition to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), calling for the humanitarian release of 95-year-old ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and urging that any legal measures taken against him remain proportionate to the circumstances.

When international human rights experts and South Korean civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Centre in Seoul on 7th August 2026, they delivered a clear and unified message: protecting religious freedom is not about endorsing any particular theological belief, but about upholding the universal principles of human rights.

Organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) in collaboration with CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, the press conference focused on growing concerns regarding state neutrality, due process, and the continued pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

A central theme raised by the international legal experts was South Korea's obligations under international human rights law. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, South Korea is required to ensure that pretrial detention is used only when it is necessary, lawful, and proportionate.

Thierry Valle, President of CAP-LC, questioned whether the continued pretrial detention of a 95-year-old defendant is consistent with these international commitments. He argued that, in comparable circumstances, humanitarian alternatives such as bail or house arrest are widely recognised and routinely employed in many legal systems around the world.

To illustrate this principle, Valle pointed to several international precedents:

Dr. Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR also referenced the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), arguing that the detention of a 95-year-old individual facing non-violent charges should be assessed in light of humanitarian considerations. He maintained that alternatives such as house arrest would better reflect the principles of proportionality and respect for human dignity embodied in international standards.