XN000022-1996-09-09 — Page 4

3 -

CSD statement in response to newspaper report

In response to a report in an English language newspaper this (Monday) morning that Vietnamese gang lords were running the Vietnamese migrant detention centres, the Correctional Services Department issued the following statement:

"The Correctional Services Department (CSD) takes pride in upholding the law and takes very seriously any allegation of wrong-doing, especially if it involves staff within the service.

"The allegations that so-called 'big brothers' actually run the detention centres and with the connivance of CSD officers, is totally unfounded.

"Allegations of the existence of so-called 'big brothers' in detention centres is not something that is new from time to time such allegations are dusted off and presented as startling revelations.

-

"Our answer remains the same - if you have evidence of this sort of criminal activity by CSD staff, report it to the police or even the ICAC.

"The allegation that someone is collecting money for the use of bedspace is fraud and/or corruption. Let the relevant authorities investigate.

"In the early 1990's the Government, after consultation with a wide range of bodies including non-government organisations, agreed to a system, supervised by the UNHCR, whereby the Vietnamese detainees would elect representatives in certain aspects of their sections to look after the welfare of a particular subject, e.g. a hall representative to see to it that the food distribution was adequately supervised or that there is enough play equipment for children in the centre, etc.

"These representatives are elected by the Vietnamese detainees themselves and not selected as some would have us believe.

"Indeed, any candidate found to have a dubious background, one of which includes a history of exerting influence or intimidating others, would not be allowed to stand for election (this follows the spirit of Hong Kong's election process where persons with criminal records are not allowed to stand for general election).