The international publicity given to the cases may have accounted for reversals of the extensions for Zhou and Gao. A detainee with a good record after half a year theoretically may go home at his or her own expense during festivals or under special circumstances. Those who are very ill can be released for treatment but must bear the costs unless the illness or injury is work related. Once recovered they must complete their terms. In practice, reeducation camp conditions are harsh and the work load heavy.
Inmates work in mines and brick factories, for example, and do heavy agricultural labor.
The People's Armed Police guard reeducation inmates just as they guard those who have been judically convicted. In practice, reeducation camp conditions are harsh and the work load heavy. Inmates work in mines and brick factories, for example, and do heavy agricultural labor. The People's Armed Police guard reeducation inmates just as they guard those who have been judically convicted. According to the regulations, the correspondence of those held for reeducation is not subject to examination, and guards may not listen to conversations between inmates and visitors.