Security Bureau says nearly all young protest offenders have taken part in Project PATH, with a recidivism rate of just 0.2 per cent
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenJess MaPublished: 1:50pm, 16 Apr 2026Nearly 1,800 young Hongkongers convicted of protest and national security-related offences have taken part in a rehabilitation programme, authorities have said, including 99 per cent of those found guilty over the 2019 unrest, up from 63 per cent in 2021.
Responding to a question from lawmaker Chan Hok-fung, the Security Bureau said that 1,768 inmates had taken part in Project PATH as of the end of February.
“According to the observation and assessment made by correctional officers, Project PATH has yielded satisfactory results with most participants giving positive response by actively taking part in activities under the programme,” Apollonia Liu Lee Ho-kei, permanent secretary of the Security Bureau, said in her reply.
The rehabilitation programme, launched in November 2021, targets “radical” young offenders arrested during the 2019 anti-government protests or under the city’s national security laws.
Participants take part in activities designed to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, rebuild their values and strengthen family relationships.
The Correctional Services Department also organised mainland exchange tours in February for discharged participants to enhance their understanding of the country and boost their sense of national identity, with more planned for later this year.
