Ifirst heard the shouting as my cellmates and I were preparing for bed in the hospital wing of Hong Kong’s Lai Chi Kok prison.

It was coming from down the hallway in a staircase known to be conveniently free of surveillance cameras.

Several guards from the city’s Correctional Service Department were yelling at a prisoner, who was crying and pleading with them.

Suddenly, I heard the unmistakable sound of punches and smacks, followed quickly by wailing.

Horrified, I froze standing in place, powerless and unable to intervene. The beating went on for a few minutes, then quiet.

A few minutes later, a guard put up a blue screen in front of our door. 8

I went over to the cell to look out the remaining crack and saw the victim walk by, slouched over and dripping blood.

Another prisoner

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