XN000022-1997-03-10 — Page 9

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"The Department had no wish to create such a situation, unfortunately, as it is now known, the wind changed direction during the course of our exercise.

"We regret the anguish and distress inadvertently caused as a result of our action at the firing range," said the Commissioner.

End

Disabled prisoners well looked after by CSD

The following statement has been issued by the Correctional Services Department in response to numerous press queries on the sentencing today (Monday) of Yip Kai-foon:-

Whilst the media may look upon Yip Kai-foon as an infamous celebrity, the Correctional Services Department regards him, after having been sentenced by the court, to be just another prisoner who will be treated accordingly.

The only difference is that Yip, being crippled and wheel-chair bound, will not be able to function as a normal prisoner, but that is not to say he will be given privileges that a normal prisoner would not be entitled to.

Unless excused on medical grounds, Yip will be obligated, like all healthy prisoners, to work although the type of job he may be required to do will not involve physical mobility.

As to persistent queries on which institution Yip would be placed, it is not our policy to divulge details of the whereabouts of prisoners, and it is especially important to note that Yip is a high risk prisoner who has escaped from our custody in the past.

As for services and facilities to care for disabled prisoners, in all our institutions, we have trained nurses to look after prisoners with special needs. We do have specific programmes and facilities designed for disabled inmates in our institutions, particularly at Stanley Prison and Pik Uk Correctional Institution. We also have qualified doctors who ensure that all prisoners receive proper and adequate medical treatment as and when the need arise.

From time to time we seek professional medical advice on specific facilities and if need be, we will provide special equipment on advice of the experts, and our programmes for disabled prisoners are reviewed to consider all aspects in the provision of services and facilities to disabled prisoners, such as occupational therapy, psychological counselling and vocational exercises.

End