A Nepal missionary deportation has been finalized for Yongho Lee, a Korean missionary who was detained after more than two decades of work in Nepal. He is scheduled to depart Nepal on February 14 and return to the United States.
Lee informed Rev. Sangkeun Kim of the General Assembly of World Presbyterian Church’s New York Western Presbytery of the decision in an email sent on February 10. In the message, Lee wrote that deportation had been decided and that he would leave Nepal on February 14. He stated that the charge against him was a violation of religious law.
Rev. Kim said in a phone interview that it remains unclear which airport Lee will use for his return. However, Kim noted that Lee previously lived in Los Angeles and may arrive through Los Angeles International Airport.
Detention on charge of spreading Christianity
Lee was arrested in Nepal on January 31 on allegations that he had spread Christianity. Authorities detained him at a facility in Kathmandu.
At the time of his detention, Lee emailed Rev. Kim describing his health condition. He wrote that he was battling stage 4 cancer, including colon, liver and lymphoma cancers. In addition, he said he had suffered from severe diarrhea for two days and was unable to drink water.
The Nepal missionary deportation follows Nepal’s strict enforcement of laws restricting missionary activity by foreign nationals.
Nepal amended its criminal code in August 2018 to tighten restrictions on foreign missionary work. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the revised law prohibits attempts to change a person’s religious beliefs based on caste, community or ethnicity. It also bans inducements to convert.
Violations can result in imprisonment or fines. Furthermore, foreign nationals found guilty may be deported within seven days after paying fines and completing criminal procedures.
Lee had worked in Nepal for more than 20 years prior to his arrest. With the Nepal missionary deportation now confirmed, he is set to leave the country later this week and return to the United States.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
