A Pattern of Ill-Treatment: Decades of Allegations

“These accounts of Hong Kong prison life reveal a deeply troubling pattern of ill-treatment that has caused significant mental and physical harm and demands immediate investigation,” stated Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director. “Subjecting inmates to extreme heat, filthy conditions, and violent punishment amounts to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and may constitute torture under international law. The Hong Kong government must end this culture of abuse and hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable.”

The Hong Kong authorities have responded to the allegations, dismissing them as a “malicious smear.” However, these claims are not new. Previous reports have surfaced detailing similar abuses within the Correctional Services Department (CSD).

The ‘Chicken Wing’ and Brutal Corporal Punishment

The alleged methods of abuse are particularly disturbing. Tony Chung, a political activist held at the Pik Uk Correctional Institution from October 2020 to April 2022, described a common practice of violence by prison officers. He recounted instances where inmates were taken to areas without CCTV coverage, followed by the sounds of screaming and a technique known as the “chicken wing” – striking an inmate’s shoulder blades with elbows to avoid visible bruising.

Peter*, a former inmate held at the same facility from 2016 for protest-related offenses, alleged he was slapped eight times on his first day for not knowing the proper way to address staff. He described a culture of corporal punishment used to assert authority and instill fear, where even minor infractions, such as improperly folded blankets or incorrect posture, could result in physical violence. He recounted being forced to memorize the prison rulebook and then recite it backwards, receiving a blow to the soles of his feet for each incorrect word, ultimately turning his feet purple.

These accounts corroborate findings from a 2017 Hong Kong media outlet investigation, which interviewed 50 former juvenile inmates who reported extreme physical and psychological abuse, including being forced to consume urine and feces. In 2020, dozens of juvenile inmates were reportedly slapped by officers after singing protest songs.

Extreme Conditions and the Threat of Heatstroke

Hong Kong’s summers are notoriously hot and humid, with temperatures frequently exceeding 31°C. “Giggs” Edmund Wan, a pro-democracy radio host remanded in Stanley Prison in 2021, described the cells as “like an oven,” reaching temperatures of over 40°C. Inmates were forced to queue at the canteen toilet to pour water over themselves to cool down, a temporary relief that quickly faded.

Wan also noted that electric fans were rendered useless by wire mesh enclosures blocking airflow. He recounted instances of inmates being forced to remain completely naked in their cells, with some requiring hospitalization due to the extreme heat. Amy*, held in solitary confinement at Lo Wu Correctional Institution in 2023, reported a lack of windows in her cell and the development of a heat rash, with even the officers visibly suffering from the heat.

In 2024, activist Chow Hang-tung challenged prison rules requiring women to wear long trousers year-round, despite the oppressive summer heat, highlighting the discriminatory and potentially dangerous conditions. Amnesty International has recognized Chow Hang-tung as a prisoner of conscience.

Solitary Confinement: A Tool for Retaliation?

Hong Kong’s Prison Rules allow for two types of solitary confinement, both falling short of international standards. Rule 63 permits punitive solitary confinement for up to 28 days for disciplinary offenses, while Rule 68B authorizes administrative solitary confinement for up to one month for vague, non-punitive reasons.

Tony Chung alleged he was placed in solitary confinement under Rule 63 on multiple occasions as retaliation for his activities. He described an incident where officers “found” a bookmark in his cell after he mentioned drill exercises to a friend, leading to his punishment. Fernando Cheung, a former legislator and now an Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas Board Member, reported being pressured to “voluntarily” request solitary confinement by signing similar documents.

The psychological toll of solitary confinement was profound, as described by Wan, who spent over 22 hours a day alone in a tiny cell, with limited exercise in a fenced cage offering minimal sunlight. Amendments to the Prison Rules in July 2025 will allow solitary confinement under Rule 68B based on “safeguarding national security,” raising concerns about its potential misuse against political prisoners.

Unsanitary Conditions and Neglect

Beyond violence and extreme conditions, inmates reported appalling sanitary conditions. Tommy*, held at Lai Chi Kok in 2021, described cockroaches crawling on his body, disrupting his sleep. Cheung echoed these concerns, characterizing the facility as “extremely filthy—beyond imagination,” with dust pillars hanging from the ceiling and non-functional toilets in the prison hospital.

What responsibility do governments have to ensure humane treatment of those in their custody? And how can international pressure be effectively applied to address systemic abuses within prison systems?

Frequently Asked Questions About Hong Kong Prison Conditions

• What are the primary concerns regarding Hong Kong prisons? The main concerns center around allegations of physical violence, inhumane conditions, prolonged solitary confinement, and inadequate sanitary standards.
• What is the ‘chicken wing’ technique allegedly used in Hong Kong prisons? The ‘chicken wing’ is a method reportedly used by officers to strike inmates’ shoulder blades with their elbows, designed to avoid leaving visible bruises.
• How does Hong Kong’s Prison Rules address solitary confinement? Hong Kong’s Prison Rules allow for both punitive and administrative solitary confinement, but these practices have been criticized for violating international standards.
• What steps is Amnesty International urging the Hong Kong authorities to take? Amnesty International is calling for immediate investigations, reforms to prevent further abuses, and the implementation of recommendations from the UN Committee against Torture.
• Are there any independent oversight mechanisms for Hong Kong’s correctional facilities? Currently, there is no fully independent body with the mandate to conduct unannounced visits to all detention facilities in Hong Kong.