Two Sides to the Story

The children's books allegedly have "seditious" messages

 

For anyone wondering what it is like to be behind bars day after day, Lorie Lai Man-ling gives a bit of insight. She is the leader of the speech therapists union, and she along with the entire executive council were arrested in July for allegedly publishing "seditious" children's books.

She wrote an open letter and thanked people for visiting her everyday. "Thank you all for not forgetting me," Lai wrote.  

Lai and another woman were arrested in July

"With smartphones, conversations and idea exchanges in modern life become easier and more immediate -- there is no barrier in communication. Yet not until being held in remand did I realize the importance of communication. Every letter to me is a bridge to the world, and every word in it carries significance."

While Lai admitted she was mentally prepared for arrest, she asked if that in turn means she is guilty. "If not, what are the grounds to arrest and remand me?"

Lai said life behind bars is simple -- everyday eat, sleep, read, write and answer nature's call. But she insisted not to stop thinking, otherwise she will give up the struggle to defend her rights.

"Although the odds are more and more unfavourable today in Hong Kong, our states of mind have an effect on how we perceive the society and reality," she wrote. "Our bodies can be held captive, but our minds will always be free."

Lai is being held in this prison in Tuen Mun

While Lai sent out a public appreciation to people making the effort to visit her at Tai Lam Centre for Women in Tuen Mun, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung claimed inmates are using treats like chocolates to "build up forces" to endanger national security.

Tang alleged the prisoners are using visitors with religious or district council backgrounds to "spread their messages" to the outside world.

He also said the authorities have noticed organizations like the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund are sending letters, asking prisoners to "continue with their struggle".

"These [actions] seriously affect the rehabilitation program and have sown seeds of endangering national security," Tang told reporters at the Legislative Council today.

Tang claims prisoners are spreading messages

Everything, even treats in prison can be construed as endangering national security. But the authorities can control what goes in and out of the jails. 

Tang makes a great argument for people to leave Hong Kong.