Show compassion to those in custody
- The Correctional Services Department should rethink its decision to deny former legislator Wu Chi-wai, who is facing charges under the national security law, the chance to attend his father’s funeral while he awaits trial
It is a core principle of justice that those being held in custody should be treated humanely. This includes respecting their dignity and freeing them – temporarily – if there is family bereavement.
However, the Correctional Services Department has ruled that former lawmaker Wu Chi-wai cannot be released to attend the funeral of his father, citing the security risks arising from online calls for people to show up in support of the democrat.
The decision is regrettable. But it is still not too late to reverse it, with the funeral to be held on Friday.
Wu, the former Democratic Party leader, must be going through a difficult time behind bars. His father died at the age of 92 in mid-April, at a time when Wu was preparing to face charges under the national security law in relation to a so-called primary election and an unauthorised assembly last year.
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The department offered its deepest condolences on his loss of a family member, but rejected his application for leave “in order to protect the safety of correctional officers, the subject, and members of the public”.
It was referring to what it described as “extensive reports” on the funeral details and calls on social media for people to show their support for Wu at the venue. The authorities instead offered to send officers to the funeral so that Wu could participate virtually through audiovisual equipment, in what was said to be an unprecedented arrangement under the “smart prison” drive.
Under the Prison Rules, leaves of absence are considered based on factors such as the offences committed by the person, security risk, escort route and location safety. Given the perceived risks, officials may think virtual attendance is the best solution.
Detained ex-lawmaker told he can only watch father’s funeral online
But that can hardly replace paying a final tribute in person to a beloved family member.
The arrangement was reportedly declined by Wu’s family on Wednesday. The denial based on perceived security risks seems too harsh for someone who had already missed the opportunity to see his father for the last time before death.
Wu’s supporters should also rethink their planned actions and avoid turning the funeral into a political show. As the saying goes, where there is a will there is a way.
It would be a shame if Wu is not allowed to attend his father’s funeral.
