HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong have proposed changes to prison regulations that could restrict inmates’ access to lawyers, religious leaders, and other visitors, citing national security as the primary concern.
The government announced Thursday that the proposed amendments would grant the Correctional Services Department expanded powers to assess and potentially deny visit requests if deemed a threat to institutional security. The changes are expected to apply to both convicted inmates and those in pre-trial detention.
Under the proposal, visits not deemed to serve statutory purposes—such as rehabilitation—could be refused. Additional amendments include requiring remand prisoners to wear prison-issued uniforms and eat meals provided by the facility.
Officials said the proposed changes are urgent and may proceed without extended legislative vetting. The move comes as Hong Kong’s prison population has increased following the arrest of more than 10,200 individuals linked to pro-democracy demonstrations since 2019.
The Hong Kong government maintains the changes are necessary to strengthen internal security and prevent further unrest within correctional institutions. Authorities have not yet set a timeline for when the amendments may take effect.
