Jean Baptiste Uwarugira, a Rwandan lawyer and human rights advocate with extensive experience in the judiciary and human-rights sector, has called on the South Korean judiciary to release ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, from pretrial detention and allow him to stand trial without being held in custody.

In an opinion article published on the 16th July, Uwarugira argued that Chairman Lee's continued detention, given his age of 95, raises concerns regarding the principle of presumption of innocence. Citing Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he stressed that anyone charged with a criminal offence is entitled to be presumed innocent and to receive the guarantees necessary for their defence.

Uwarugira explained that pretrial detention is intended to address specific risks, such as flight or interference with witnesses and evidence, and should be used only when less restrictive measures are inadequate.

He argued that Chairman Lee's age, status as a Korean War veteran, and longstanding public activities should be considered when assessing these risks. He also noted that alternatives such as bail, regular reporting, electronic monitoring, and travel restrictions can safeguard court proceedings while avoiding unnecessary detention.

Uwarugira therefore called for Chairman Lee to face trial without detention, arguing that this would better uphold the principles of fairness, proportionality, and respect for fundamental human rights.

Source: vo.la/M8bTXDY