TNAG-0981-FCO40-1200-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 84

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Punishments

5.

Rumours concerning new, more severe punishments for escapers

continue to abound and the position is still not yet clear. There have been

rumours of punishments for first-time escapers, ranging from a relatively

small fine or 15 days' detention to one year's imprisonment. There have been

two reports of punishments actually imposed the IIs concerned were said to have

been sentenced to three months' labour reform. These latter reports lend

credence to earlier reports that first-time escapers would be punished with three

months' labour reform, with second and third-timers getting six and twelve

months' labour reform respectively. Subsequent attempts would be punished

with a term of imprisonment. However, two IIs arrested after 1 January received

only 15 days' detention. It is said that the new measures will be fully

implemented only after the Lunar New Year. One traveller said he has seen a

notice issued by the Vice-President of the Shenzhen Municipal Court which stated that escapers who attacked members of the Chinese, or Hong Kong, security forces would be sentenced to several years' imprisonment in Heilongjiang and that those who seriously injured or killed any Chinese or Hong Kong security forces personnel

could be sentenced to death. A number of reports in the Chinese mainland press

and mainland radio broadcasts have publicised trials of escape organisers and

those who used violence, in which punishments have ranged from two to ten years'

imprisonment.

Assessment

6.

Although the number of IIs arrested in Hong Kong in January was significantly lower than in December, the level is still far higher than might have

been expected in view of the increased deployment of security forces in Shenzhen Municipality and the threat of more severe punishments. It is probable that many potential escapers have deferred departure until the full extent of the new anti-escape measures and punishments is known. Unless the new punishment policy is fully implemented soon and is fairly severe, its present deterrent effect will diminish and the number of escapers is likely to increase again.

A seasonal increase is likely anyway between now and the end of the Lunar New Year holiday period. It is not known for how long the Chinese authorities

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