International religious scholars and human rights advocates are urging the South Korean judiciary to consider conditional release, citing Chairman Lee’s advanced age, health concerns, and the potentially lengthy trial.

According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, 18 international religious scholars plan to submit a joint petition requesting bail. The signatories include Professor Eileen Barker of the London School of Economics, Professor Emeritus J. Gordon Melton of Baylor University, and Massimo Introvigne, director of  Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR). The petition follows the CESNUR international conference held in Taiwan from 10th to 12th October.

The scholars expressed concern that repeated short-term extensions of the detention suspension could disrupt medical treatment and trial preparation. They called for arrangements that would allow Chairman Lee to attend court while receiving appropriate medical care.

Calls for conditional release have also come from legal professionals and human rights organisations. Ugandan lawyer and human rights activist Hamza Sekide proposed alternatives such as regular reporting requirements and surrendering travel documents.

Hans Noot, deputy director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, also called for detention to be reassessed and legally available alternatives to be considered. Bishop Elias Elijah Changa of Zambia proposed release subject to residential restrictions and medical care, while pastors from five countries, including Liberia, urged consideration of both criminal proceedings and religious freedom.

In September, the French human rights organisation Coalition for Freedom of Conscience (CAP-LC) called for an independent medical assessment and a review of alternatives to detention during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

At a preliminary hearing on 6th October, the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court estimated that the trial could take approximately a year, even with weekly hearings, given the roughly 190 requested witnesses.

Chairman Lee’s legal team requested bail, arguing that he requires continued treatment and care following surgery. The court deferred its decision and extended the suspension of the arrest warrant until 6th November.

The suspension has reportedly been extended four times, with extensions ranging from one day to one month. On 11th September, Chairman Lee was returned to detention after a further extension was denied.

Supporters have cited a 2020 ruling in which the Suwon District Court granted Chairman Lee bail while he faced charges of obstructing infectious disease control measures. Conditions included a 100 million won bond, residence restrictions, and electronic monitoring. The court considered his health and record of attending proceedings. The Supreme Court subsequently upheld his acquittal on those charges.

Article 98 of South Korea’s Criminal Procedure Act allows conditions such as residence restrictions, bail payments, and restrictions on overseas travel to help ensure defendants attend court.

However, international petitions and previous rulings do not determine the outcome of the current case. The court must independently assess Chairman Lee’s health, the risk of flight, potential evidence-related concerns, and the circumstances of the proceedings.

With the suspension set to expire on 6th November, attention remains focused on how the court will balance health concerns against the requirements of the ongoing trial when deciding whether to grant bail.