Statement by Shincheonji Church of Jesus

We deeply regret the Prosecution-Police Joint Investigation Headquarters’ application for an arrest warrant against the Church’s Chairman, Mr. Lee Man-hee.

Chairman Lee has acted responsibly by complying with every request from the authorities and has demonstrated good faith by cooperating fully throughout the investigation. Therefore, it is our deepest regret that a request for an arrest warrant has been filed against Mr. Lee, despite there being no risk of flight or evidence tampering.

In particular, despite his advanced age of 95, Mr. Lee has consistently responded to the investigation with sincerity. This clear history of compliance points to the lack of necessity and the disproportionality of pretrial detention.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus intends to present a thorough account of the relevant facts at the upcoming warrant review hearing, and we trust that the Court will render a wise judgment grounded solely in objective facts and legal merits.