Case Explained: Hong Kong protests: former young offenders sent on mainland China exchange tours – Legal Perspective

Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department has launched exchange tours to mainland China for former young offenders convicted of crimes related to the 2019 social unrest to boost their understanding of national development and culture.

Rounding up the department’s work over the past year, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing said on Monday that Project PATH, a rehabilitation programme for offenders jailed for 2019 protest-related activities, would be extended to cover those under supervision after leaving jail.

“From the beginning of this month, we have organised exchange tours for participants to let them experience the latest national developments, boost their understanding of Chinese culture as well as their sense of national belonging, concept of the nation and patriotism,” he said.

As a part of the extended coverage, the department would organise exchange tours to the mainland for Project PATH participants bound by supervision orders.

Young offenders and those permitted to leave prison under early release are placed under statutory supervision for at least six months. During the period, participants must maintain contact with correctional service officers, receive regular home or workplace visits, and request permission when wishing to leave the city.

The first tour was organised for February 7 to 9, with 14 young ex-offenders visiting Foshan and Zhuhai in Guangdong province.