Press Release

CSD initiates follow-up action on allegation involving female inmate
    

     Referring to a report in a Chinese newspaper today (October 7) that correctional officers had abused their power in the use of OC foam on an African female inmate on remand in Tai Lam Centre for Women, a spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said in view of the seriousness of the allegation, the department had arranged for the inmate to undertake an examination immediately.

     The examination report revealed that the inmate sustained no injury, including her face. The department has assigned a senior officer to see the inmate to understand more about the allegation.

     The description of the incident by the inmate did not match entirely the report in the newspaper. The department will contact Father Franco Mella as soon as possible to clarify and understand more about the incident with a view to deciding whether an internal investigation is required or the case should be referred to other disciplinary force for follow-up action.  

     With regard to the claim in the report that the incident was yet another following the death of an inmate after assault, the department pointed out that the Coroners' Court which had begun its inquiry on October 5 would surely pass a fair and just judgement on the cause of death of the inmate.

Ends/Sunday, October 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 22:30

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