I didn’t get a day off from prison kitchen for 5 months, says former Hong Kong inmate who claims human rights were breached
Lawmakers renew calls for an independent council to be set up to review and monitor operation of prisons
A former convict’s complaints that he was made to work five months straight while behind bars have prompted Hong Kong lawmakers to renew calls for an independent body to review the city’s prisons.
The man surnamed Chan (not his real name) said he spent every day in the kitchen of a correctional institution despite inmates being entitled to a day off every week. He further claimed there was an “unwritten rule” that those assigned to cooking and cleaning details did not get a day off.
Chan filed his case with the complaints investigation unit (CIU) of the Correctional Services Department and even reported the matter to the commissioner. But he said the only thing he received was a letter saying his complaint had been referred to the prison’s management.
The middle-aged Hongkonger, who was in Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution from May to November last year, was assigned to work in the kitchen from May to mid-September.
Recounting his daily routine to the Post, Chan said those on early shifts started work at 5.30am to prepare the prisoners’ breakfast – boiled vegetables and meat. With two breaks during the day, they finished their duties after dinner at 6.30pm.