Hong Kong: Pro-democracy activists endure long stretches of solitary confinement
Tilly lavenas
Dear Friends
Please send this letter or in your own words about three activists—Chow Hang-tung, Jimmy Lai and Owen Chow—who have been in solitary confinement for a very long time. Thanks! Tilly and Guy
Commissioner Wong Kwok-hing
Commissioner of Correctional Services
24th Floor, Wanchai Tower,
12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai,
Hong Kong
Email: comro...@csd.gov.hk
Dear Commissioner Wong,
I am deeply concerned about Chow Hang-tung, Jimmy Lai and Owen Chow, who have been convicted solely for peacefully expressing their human rights. As you know, Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, has been in solitary confinement for more than five years and Chow Hang-tung spent 82 days in solitary confinement in 2023 alone. Owen Chow was held in a solitary cell for more than two years between 2021 and 2024.
Solitary confinement is a cruel penalty with serious psychological consequences. I would like to remind you that, in accordance with international standards, it should only be used as an exceptional circumstances and must never exceed 15 days.
I call on you to stop the unlawful solitary confinement of Chow Hang-tung, Jimmy Lai, Owen Chow and all imprisoned activists.
Most importantly I urge you release them and any other activists immediately and unconditionally.
Sincerely
Please send a copy to the ambassador in your country:
HE Xie Feng
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the USA
3505 International Place NW
Washington DC 20008
HE Zheng Zeguang
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
49-51 Portland Place
London, W1B 1JL
For more information about Amnesty’s Urgent Action 11/26, 12 Feb: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa17/0708/2026/en/