The Southern African Leaders Coalition for Faith, Freedom and Justice has renewed calls for greater scrutiny of pre-trial detention and the protection of detainees’ human rights and dignity.

The issue was discussed at a panel hosted at NUST on Thursday, using the case of 95-year-old South Korean religious leader Chairman Lee Man-hee as an international case study.

Lee is being held in pre-trial detention in South Korea over allegations that he directed thousands of church members to forcefully or systematically join a political party to influence internal primaries.

Experts, including University of Namibia psychology lecturer Dr. Armas Shikongo, UNAM Lecturer Dr. Christian Harris and clinical psychologist Mirjam Madhimba, examined the proportionality of detention, systemic delays, high bail costs and the psychological impact of prolonged incarceration.

They said prolonged detention without conviction remains a concern, particularly where delays in the justice system prevent detainees from securing timely resolution of their cases.

Madhimba highlighted the long-term psychological distress that can result from confinement, while panellists urged civil society, the media and the public to advocate for detainees’ rights and push for systemic justice reforms.