Hong Kong authorities on Monday presented a proposal to lawmakers to tighten prison rules to restrict visits by lawyers, religious personnel, and doctors on national security grounds, a move critics said would further undermine prisoner rights.
Under the proposal, prison authorities could apply for a warrant to block or impose conditions on prisoner contact with specific lawyers and doctors.
Hong Kong’s mini-constitution safeguards the sharing of confidential legal advice between lawyers and their clients, including in court and prison, and the right to choose a lawyer. But Security Secretary Chris Tang told lawmakers that prisoner rights must be limited by the need to maintain national security.
Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony in 2020, punishing offenses deemed subversive with possible life imprisonment.
The law has been used to arrest pro-democracy activists and silence groups critical of the ruling regime. It has drawn criticism from countries around the world.
