Judicial review filed for female prisoners' right to wear shorts

An assistant to former lawmakers filed a judicial review, challenging the Correctional Services Department of sexual discrimination for banning her from wearing shorts in prison in summer. 

Chung Suet-ying, 30, was an assistant to former lawmakers Sixtus "Baggio" Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching. She is currently detained at Lo Wu Correctional Institution. Chung was arrested and charged with possession of arms or ammunition without license last October. The case has been adjourned to September 6 and Chung will be remanded until then.

Chung this April demanded to wear shorts instead of trousers as the season changes. Yet, her request was denied by officers of the Department. 

The Department on May 3 then announced that all prisoners can wear short-sleeve shirts. However only male prisoners can wear shorts, female prisoners still have to wear trousers in the meantime. 

Chung noted that male and female prisoners are treated differently due to their gender. She continuously expressed her demand and complained and yet her requests were all turned down. 

Although she once wrote to the Ombudsman addressing the issue, she has not received any reply from the office. 

Chung, who developed heat rash, pointed out that the rule doesn't make any sense and saw it as sexual discrimination. 

She therefore filed a judicial review yesterday, asking the court to revoke the rule and to revise relevant instructions.