Opinion | Employment is the best way to reintegrate Hong Kong’s jailed protesters into society
- Those jailed for their roles in the 2019 protests will understandably face tremendous difficulties in finding employment upon release
- Yet if our city is to heal past wounds, we must help ex-offenders become productive members of society again, and this is where employers play a crucial role
Everyone deserves a second chance. Or do they? It is said that “to err is human, to forgive divine”.
Because of delays and adjournment of judicial proceedings wrought by the pandemic, and the time required to investigate and amass evidence, many cases are still in limbo. I can understand how this might be disconcerting, though the judicial system’s “due process” does take considerable time.
If the justice system were to treat the young protesters leniently, then what about the father who steals to feed his family? Would the elderly who commit crimes deserve the same consideration? Where does one draw the line for leniency?
The good thing about a rules-based society with rule of law is that the criminal justice system is supposed to be “blind”. Lady Justice’s blindfold means that rules are applied uniformly and justice is meted out objectively – without fear or favour – regardless of a person’s identity and social standing.
