Activists on the inside : perceptions of power and surveillant reversals in Hong Kong prisons

Abstract

This dissertation explores the interaction between prisoners and correctional service in Hong Kong in the post-Occupy period. Despite the vast difference between officers and activist prisoners understanding of issues in relation to prisons, they are in the same view on a number of matters. This is where people living in the two worlds converge about the imagination of prison. The potential academic contribution here is to give a realistic account of prison life in Hong Kong and try to sensitize the actual panopticon dynamics in prison. This dissertation implies that the imprisonment of activists has led to massive system reforms, but it is not due to the actions of activists in prison. The urge to reform can be attributed to public scrutiny, which is brought about the speeches made by the activists.