Lai Chee-ying has been receiving appropriate treatment and medical care during his detention
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A spokesman for the HKSAR Government reiterated, "The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and relevant units handle the custodial arrangements for Lai Chee-ying in the same way as other persons-in-custody (PICs). Lai Chee-ying's legal representatives have also made clear that Lai Chee-ying has all along been receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison. The false reports by relevant media have no factual basis at all. In fact, the CSD attaches great importance to the safety and health of PICs. Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, which includes good ventilation, appropriate and timely medical support, as well as religious services. At the same time, the CSD also provides PICs with healthy food in accordance with legal requirements, which are in line with existing international health guidelines. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism, including regular independent visitors, namely Justices of the Peace, who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of PICs are protected.
"The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that the medical services received by Lai Chee-ying in custody are adequate and comprehensive. The CSD supports PICs with medical services provided by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority. In general, examination and treatment are conducted by medical staff stationed in the CSD facilities. Based on the needs of individual PICs, cases will be referred to specialist departments under the Hospital Authority for further follow-up. Professional medical staff provide the most suitable medical services to patients, and PICs are treated equally. During the public court hearing in August this year, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, and the Court commended the CSD. Separately, the CSD has also arranged dedicated chaplains to provide religious services to Lai Chee-ying in accordance with his wishes. Some media have chosen to turn a blind eye to these facts, and continue to repeat lies and engage in despicable practices, which we strongly oppose.
"Furthermore, in the interests of a particular prisoner or for the maintenance of good order and discipline, the Commissioner of Correctional Services is empowered to make arrangements under section 68B of the Prison Rules that such prisoner should not associate with other prisoners (i.e. the so-called 'solitary confinement'). One of the purposes of the relevant arrangement is to ensure the personal safety and well-being of the PICs. The arrangement for Lai Chee-ying's removal from association from other PICs has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law."
The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, "The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice. Nevertheless, relevant media continue to distort the facts, blatantly smear Lai Chee-ying's detention conditions and medical arrangements, and attempt to exert pressure on the courts of the HKSAR. Such acts must be sternly denounced to set the record straight."
Ends/Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 23:18
Issued at HKT 23:18
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