Cape Town – Southern African religious and civil society leaders have called for the release of 95 year old South Korean religious leader, war veteran and peace activist Chairman Man Hee Lee, who has been held in pre trial detention since 24 June 2026.
The Southern African Leaders Coalition for Faith, Freedom and Justice made the call during a press conference held in Cape Town on Saturday, 22 August 2026, a day after Lee’s bail hearing in the Republic of Korea. The court’s decision was still pending at the time of the meeting.
The press conference coincided with the United Nations’ International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. 
The coalition said the case raised broader questions about religious freedom, human dignity and the right to a fair trial, particularly when an elderly religious leader remains in custody before being convicted.
Lee has not been found guilty, and the coalition said the presumption of innocence remains intact. It expressed concern about his continued detention in view of his age, reported health problems and alleged cooperation with the judicial process.
Chris Nissen, chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, referred to South Africa’s history of detention without trial and the protections provided by human rights law.
Speaking about the Nelson Mandela Rules, Nissen said the dignity of people deprived of their liberty must be protected, including those awaiting trial.
“A society is determined by how they look at the most vulnerable and how you treat them.”
Nissen also called for solidarity with people whose conscience or religious convictions may place them at risk.
“Let no religious person, for the sake of standing up for the truth, standing for justice and righteousness, ever be detained or be charged for their conscience.”
He ended his address with a direct appeal for Lee’s release.
“We’ll use whatever influence, wherever we find influence, we’ll use that influence to say, release, release [him] now.”
Pastor Nceba Mkatsane of the Church of Christ said the matter affected faith communities beyond one denomination.
“When a religious leader is treated unjustly, the body of faith across traditions is wounded. We cannot remain silent.”
Mkatsane raised concern about Lee’s age and reported health problems, saying alternatives to detention should have been considered.
He also urged journalists to give the matter proper attention.
“Your voices carry the power to prevent silence from becoming indifference.”
Former Cape Times editor and former group editor in chief of Independent Media Aziz Hartley linked the discussion to South Africa’s history of press freedom and political detention.
“In any contestation, there are three views: yours, mine, and the truth. Where is it that the media stands?”
Hartley said South African journalists had a responsibility to scrutinise those in power and provide space for voices that could otherwise remain unheard.
“Our own history is a mirror for us when it comes to defending the people’s rights.”
SALC FFJ co founder and Established Africa managing editor Magdalene Govender said South Africa’s experience of receiving international solidarity during the struggle against apartheid created a responsibility to speak out when fundamental rights were threatened elsewhere.
“If we had external voices helping us to have this type of liberation, then it is our moral right and responsibility to speak up for others as well. Right now, South Korea needs those voices.”
More than 220 organisations and leaders across the region have endorsed the coalition’s joint statement. The statement calls for proportionality, fair trial guarantees and the protection of religious liberty.
The coalition said its position was not based on denomination or political affiliation, but on the principle that human rights and dignity should apply to everyone, regardless of nationality, age or faith.
The coalition is calling for continued attention to religious freedom, the presumption of innocence, fair trial rights, proportionality and the protection of human dignity.
