HK correctional chief refutes New York Post commentary as 'malicious defamation'

Correctional Services Commissioner Wong Kwok-hing has written to the New York Post strongly opposing and refuting the newspaper's September 7 commentary article, calling the allegations against the department's operations "completely false, baseless and malicious defamation."

In his letter, Wong stated the department is committed to ensuring a safe, humane and healthy custodial environment while providing appropriate rehabilitation programs to help offenders reform. He said allegations of widespread abuse, medical negligence or poor living conditions in correctional institutions were entirely unfounded.

Wong emphasized that Hong Kong has no so-called "political prisoners" and all persons in custody are treated equally without discrimination based on background, political views or nature of offenses. The department strictly adheres to fairness and professionalism in all operations, with any illegal acts by persons in custody or staff dealt with seriously and referred to law enforcement agencies for investigation.

Contrary to the article's claims, Wong said the department provides basic medical services and, when needed, physical examinations, appropriate treatment or referrals to public hospital specialists. Multiple measures have been implemented to continuously improve the custodial environment, including installing anti-suicide safety fans, gradually replacing ventilation systems, adding industrial fans, and installing new doors and windows with higher ventilation efficiency.

Wong explained that in recent years, some radical offenders convicted of serious crimes have entered correctional institutions, many influenced by extremist ideologies or misconceptions. To address their rehabilitation needs, the department launched the "PATH" program to help persons in custody understand Chinese history and culture, develop national identity, rebuild positive values and restart their lives. All persons in custody may participate voluntarily, and the department condemns any demonization of rehabilitation programs as "indoctrination."

The commissioner was responding to a September 7 commentary piece by Samuel Bickett in the New York Post that alleged systematic abuse, medical neglect, and poor conditions in Hong Kong’s prisons. Bickett claimed, based on his own detention experience and interviews with multiple ex-inmates, that the correctional system routinely suffers from beatings, sexual violence, medical neglect, and harsh living conditions, including rodent and cockroach infestations, overflowing toilets, and extreme summer heat in cells.

According to court records, Bickett previously worked as a lawyer at a foreign bank. In December 2019, he assaulted an off-duty police officer who was pursuing a fare evader at Causeway Bay MTR station. He was convicted of assaulting police in 2021 and sentenced to four months and two weeks in prison. His appeal failed in February 2022, requiring immediate imprisonment.

The commissioner stated the department will continue strictly performing its duties according to law, ensuring institutional security while safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of all persons in custody. Wong urged the public to trust verified facts, reject false information and avoid being misled by statements deliberately smearing the Correctional Services Department and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.