Wives Of Detained Activists Denied Prison Visits

The wives of two democracy campaigners charged with subversion said on Friday that they had been denied the right to visit their husbands in prison or provide them with essential items.

Lester Shum and Chu Hoi-dick are among 47 members of the pro-democracy camp charged with conspiracy to commit subversion in connection with primary polls last summer to pick candidates for Legco.

Their wives said staff at the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre told them their husbands were being moved so no visit would be possible.

The pair called the arrangement “disorganised”.

“We arrived in the morning and completed the registration only to be told we couldn't visit them. We’re very disappointed. We’ve been waiting for days to see our families and pass on essential items such as clothes, food and books,” said Shum's wife, Yu Sze-long.

Former lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun said Shum, Chu and seven other defendants in the case were being transferred to Stanley Prison. He said it could be because there are now too many people being held at the reception centre.