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Shincheonji Church Founder Attends Hearing on Forced Party Membership Allegations
The founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus appeared in court for an arrest warrant hearing over claims he directed followers to join a political party. Prosecutors allege the memberships occurred between 2021 and 2024.
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The founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus attended a court hearing Wednesday on an arrest warrant request tied to allegations of forced political party memberships. Lee Man-hee, 95, arrived at the Seoul Central District Court using a walking stick. A prosecution-police task force sought the warrant on charges of obstruction of business and violations of the Political Parties Act.
allege Lee directed at least 56,472 church members to join the People Power Party between July 2021 and January 2024. The stated purpose was to influence the party's presidential primary in 2021 and general election primaries in 2024. In exchange, Lee allegedly sought favors for the church, including changes to the use of church buildings. The period overlaps with the time the party held power.
Lee has reportedly denied the allegations.
The court will decide after the hearing whether to issue the arrest warrant.
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CorroborationModerate · 2 sources
