Proposed Amendments to Hong Kong Prison Rules Spark Controversy Over Prisoners' Rights

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is in the spotlight following proposed amendments to its long-standing Prison Rules amid claims from Western media that these changes would infringe on prisoners' rights. Legal professionals have countered these assertions, stating that the revisions are necessary for aligning with international standards and effectively managing visitation rights, which have become a pressing issue.

These amendments include measures that allow the Correctional Services Department (CSD) to tighten visitation arrangements and ban "private clothing" and "private meals," as reported by local media. According to an official statement, the revisions grant the CSD the authority to refuse visits that do not align with legal purposes, especially if they could jeopardize national security. The statement emphasizes that, under certain conditions, communication between inmates and their legal representatives can be limited if sanctioned by a magistrate's warrant.

HKSAR Secretary for Security Chris Tang explained that the existing Prison Rules have been in place for over 70 years and require updating to reflect current national security considerations. The proposed changes are aimed at enhancing the CSD's enforcement capabilities and making the rules more appropriate for today's needs. Willy Fu, a law professor, reiterated that the amendments focus on safeguarding national security and managing correctional institutions while preventing misuse of visits to transmit forbidden information.

The amendments are viewed as urgent, particularly in light of incidents during the 2019 protests, where some "prison visitors" manipulated their access to inflame anti-government sentiments. They also suggest that the use of "private meals" led to contraband smuggling and the formation of factions within prisons, undermining order and stability. The proposed regulations would effectively curtail visits that could possibly facilitate external influences and ensure a fairer administration within Hong Kong’s correctional facilities, bringing them in line with accepted international practices.