CSD clarifies allegation by a member of public in social media

     In response to the allegation lodged by a member of public, Joshua Wong Chi-fung, in social media yesterday (November 22) that a correctional officer inflicted corporal punishment on a person in custody in Pik Uk Correctional Institution by ordering him to undergo foot drill in two consecutive days for more than four hours in total, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) issued the following statement:

     The CSD is committed to ensuring a safe and secure custodial environment and upholding the principal of equality in managing all persons in custody, regardless of their background and race.

     After learning the allegation last night, the CSD immediately conducted investigation and proved that the allegation is not true. Without verification and confirmation of source of information, the aforementioned member of public lodged malicious allegation in the social media and disclosed the appearance and the personal data of the correctional officer concerned. It is an attempt to undermine the confidence and the integrity of all correctional officers by smearing. It is not the first time that, failing to present any concrete evidence, the member of public concerned lodged malicious allegation against the correctional officer. The CSD took this matter seriously and referred it to other law enforcement agencies for follow-up.

     The CSD emphasizes that correctional officers will enforce the authority empowered by the law with perseverance, ensure the order and discipline of correctional institutions and not be deterred by any malicious allegation and attack.