Shanghai Prison Administration has granted inmates permission to visit their families during the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29.

 

Family-visit permission will be given to inmates who have a good track record behind bars and have finished at least half their term of imprisonment. Different prisons have set different requirements for applicants, the Shanghai Evening News reported.

 

In the city's Beixinjing Prison, eight inmates, all Shanghai natives, will be allowed to leave the prison on January 28 and spend 72 hours at home, after registering at the district police station and the neighborhood committee.

 

According to a police officer named Cai with Shanghai Prison Administration, family reunions are a reward for inmates with good behavior. The Prison Law of the People's Republic of China enables inmates to apply for a three to seven days' parole during major Chinese holidays.

 

"Home-visiting is different from families visiting the prison. Inmates can feel the emotional and familial bond with their family members. It lends a humane touch to their reeducation," said Cai.

 

Earlier this month, Beijing Women's Prison announced that 12 inmates would be allowed to celebrate the traditional Chinese New Year with their husbands in specially prepared private rooms.

 

This is the first time the prison has arranged 24-hour visits for its inmates and their spouses. During the stay, 12 women will spend the day in standard guest rooms provided by the prison authorities on the first or second day of the week-long holiday.

 

The prison authorities said they will select one woman with exemplary behavior from each of the prison's 12 units to enjoy the special treatment.

 

"Chinese prison law provides family-visit rights for prisoners, but does not specify what form visits and paroles should take, which means that prisons are able to make their own rules and regulations," said Xu Xiuchang, the publicity chief of Beijing Prison Administration.

 

Xu said prison management is an essential part of building a harmonious society. He said the recent moves by Chinese prisons reflect more scientific, effective and humane approaches for criminals recreational work.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2006)