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SCMP Editorial

A dangerous point has been reached for Hong Kong as a result of ever-escalating protests. The city is sliding towards anarchy, law and order being increasingly disregarded.
An application for a demonstration in Yuen Long tomorrow has been rejected by police on grounds that it poses a severe risk to public order, but the organiser is adamant that it will go ahead and violence would seem inevitable.
Officers have to come up with a foolproof strategy to keep the peace, while Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has to show leadership by appealing for cool heads and calm.
Police are right to contend the danger of violence between protesters and opponents is too high to warrant approval.




The anger of those caught up in a rampage by thugs at Yuen Long MTR station on Sunday that left 45 people injured, one critically, is to be expected.
Questions abound and police have to respond to demands by thoroughly investigating, laying appropriate charges and ensuring accountability and transparency.
But trust in the force has been eroded during seven weeks of anti-government protests that have been hijacked by radicals and ended in clashes with officers and vandalism, including shocking attacks at Beijing’s representative office in the city and the Legislative Council.
Yuen Long is a test of resolve and capability, and it is essential that laws be adhered to.
Hong Kong’s reputation for being safe and efficient has been damaged.




Several governments have already issued travel alerts.
Business sentiment has been shaken; a plot of land on the prime Kai Tak site was sold by the government to a consortium for HK$12.74 billion, below valuers’ lowest expectations of HK$13 billion.
Rumours and fake news are rife.
Organiser vows to push on with Hong Kong march after police ban
An observation by a defence ministry spokesman that the authority of the central government and the “one country, two systems” principle were being challenged, and his highlighting of provisions that People’s Liberation Army troops may be deployed to maintain social order should they be asked by city officials have sparked feverish activity on social media.




Vandalism at the liaison office breached a line for Beijing and sympathy towards the protesters is lacking on the mainland.
But the sending of troops to Hong Kong to restore order is not an option, as authorities have been quick to point out; the city has the resources and ability to defuse the crisis by itself.
Hong Kong police deny accusation they colluded with Yuen Long thugs
There is an urgent need for the strong leadership that has so far been lacking. Civil servants are among the latest citizens asking Lam to take a stand. Heads of major universities have called on students not to join the protests.
Lam and her government need to be proactive in dealing with the snowballing crisis. Too much will be lost should the violence continue.


Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai denies making appeal for hostilities against Beijing

Xi puts faith in Lee to deliver on Hong Kong economic development, reform

Ex-Hong Kong politician, 6 others convicted over riot at MTR station in 2019

Jimmy Lai denies instigating US move to revoke Hong Kong’s special economic status

Hong Kong protests

Leadership and cool heads needed to stop Hong Kong’s slide towards anarchy

A rampage by thugs at Yuen Long MTR station on Sunday left 45 people injured, one critically. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Civil servants threaten strike in frustration over police handling of Hong Kong unrest as 'Lennon Wall' appears in Policy Innovation and Coordination Office

A photo provided by a Pico staff member. Photo: Handout

Official Receiver's Office. Civil servants from various bureaux and departments have posted pictures of Êtheir staff badges on forums and social networking sites, echoing calls from protesters and general public. Photo: Handout

Civil servants from various bureaux and departments have posted pictures of Êtheir staff badges on forums and social networking sites, echoing calls from protesters and general public. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong police deny accusation they colluded with thugs who attacked passengers at train station, as one lawmaker calls incident ‘terrorism’

Protesters demonstrate at Yuen Long police station the day after a group of thugs attacked passengers in a train station. Photo: Felix Wong

Screen captured from a video showing a number of people in white with wooden sticks chasing and assaulting passenger arriving at the Yeung Long Station. SCMP Pictures (UNDATED HANDOUT)

Police's Public Relations Branch Chief Superintendent John Tse Chun-chung attends the RTHK radio programme at RTHK Radio Station in Kowloon Tong. 27JUN19 SCMP / Xiaomei Chen

Opinion

Comment

Despite police objections, organiser says protest will go ahead in town hit by shocking weekend violence, posing severe risk to public order


Hong Kong extradition bill

Carrie Lam

Legislative Council of Hong Kong

Anti-mainland China sentiments

Crime

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Basic Law

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Leadership and cool heads needed to stop Hong Kong’s slide towards anarchy

Despite police objections, organiser says protest will go ahead in town hit by shocking weekend violence, posing severe risk to public order