Letters | Hong Kong protesters are rioting under the guise of fighting for democracy and freedom

Pro-democracy politicians and media commentators should stop giving unconditional support to rampaging protesters under the pretence of a fight for freedom

Reading Time:2 minutes

Protesters throw cardboard into a fire in Central, Hong Kong, on October 1. As China celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the nation, clashes between police and protesters took place in 13 different locations across the city. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 6:55am, 10 Oct 2019Updated: 6:55am, 10 Oct 2019

Over the last few months, we hear repeated accusations of brutality against the Hong Kong police. Opinion column writers attack the police on a daily basis, as do pro-democracy party members.

I am stunned that not one leader from the pro-democracy camp has denounced the rioting hooligans. I suspect, in supporting the wanton lawlessness, they see new voters in the coming elections. Senior legislator Claudia Mo Man-ching has been offering her incoherent justification of rioting lawlessness to international television networks and directing endless criticism towards the government and police.

On October 4, Albert Cheng wrote an “insight” column titled “Police brutality is fuelling unrest in divided city”. It was a very one-sided and irresponsible view from a man I grew to respect as incisive and fair-minded. Mr Cheng admonished the policeman who shot a rioter “at point-blank range”.

Would it be tolerable had the officer shot him from a distance?

Watching the video of the incident, it is clear that by drawing his pistol, the officer attempted to disperse vicious attackers away from his fallen colleague and only shot when attacked by the 18-year-old.

Giving unconditional support to rioters is most irresponsible and that support coming from lawmakers, educators and others gives the crazed young people ever more confidence on their road to nowhere.