Members of the public can view at first hand what life is really
behind bars following a decision in Beijing to open some of its
securely locked prisons for public visits. Yesterday a second city
jail was allowing the public to visit following the opening up of
Beijing Women's Prison to visitors on certain days earlier this
month.?
Those aged over 18 can apply for a one-day visit to Beijing
Prison located in the suburbs about one hour's drive from downtown
and home to nearly 2,000 male convicts sentenced to more than 15
years behind bars, the prison authorities explained.?
"Nearly 100 people visited us on the opening day," said Sun
Xibin, deputy head of the prison. The first visitors were organized
by the Chinese PLA Headquarters of the General Staff and Central
China Construction Co. Ltd.
The facilities open to the public include the inmates' living
areas, parlors, psychological counseling centers and the prison's
factory, Sun said. He said visitors could meet and talk to inmates
with supervision but contact without approval was strictly
prohibited.?
Prison authorities have said more prisons will be opened to the
public in the future. However, to ensure safety police said no more
than 40 individuals or groups with over 100 visitors would be
allowed to visit at one time.
Items such as cameras, cell phones, tape recorders, handbags and
backpacks cannot be brought into the prison. Visitors should
strictly follow the instructions of prison guards and not move
beyond authorized areas.
(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2006)