Lucky dozen prisoners to get conjugal visits
 

(geckogekko)

BEIJING (Reuters) - Twelve exemplary inmates at
Beijing Women's Prison will be allowed to celebrate
Chinese New Year with 24-hour conjugal visits from
their husbands, Xinhua news agency said Tuesday.

"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,"
Xinhua said, adding that it was the first time
conjugal visits had been allowed at the prison.

The prison had 12 standard guest rooms with separate
bathrooms, double beds and "other necessary facilities
for the special day."

But a Beijing News commentary questioned the legal
basis of the move, because conjugal visits are not
covered in the law.

"If the 24-hour visit is recognized as extending care
to female prisoners, then the prison authorities
should offer the same treatment to all inmates, not
just 12 of them," it said.

The commentary also warned the prison of unexpected
pregnancies.

Beijing Women's Prison is the only one of its kind in
the city, with 900 prisoners. Chinese New Year this
year falls on January 29.