Violence should never be an option for Occupy protesters
Violence was never meant to be part of the Occupy movement, but it has regrettably evolved that way.
Violence was never meant to be part of the Occupy movement, but it has regrettably evolved that way. Clashes between protesters and police outside the government headquarters in Admiralty early yesterday were the worst since the demonstrations began 65 days ago, the result of a call by student leaders for escalation. Dozens were injured, among them an officer knocked unconscious during an especially fierce scuffle. The refusal by demonstrators to abide by the law is taking hong Kong along a dangerous course from which no good can come. Withdrawing from the streets and adopting a realistic strategy is the only viable way forward for those seeking democracy.
Student leaders driving the protests have maintained that their movement is rooted in non-violence. But their urging for supporters to gather at the main protest site in Admiralty on Sunday prepared for confrontation with police spoke otherwise. It was inevitable that there would be unrest when the call went out for the crowd to surround government buildings. Many were wearing helmets, goggles and masks and some brandished home-made shields and objects that could be thrown; it was as if they were intent on provoking trouble.
Police lines near Tamar Park and Lung Wo Road were charged and fighting broke out; more than 40 people were arrested and as many treated for injuries. Alex Chow Yong-kang, secretary-general of the Federation of Students, defended the heightening of tactics. But Occupy movement founders and pan-democrat lawmakers have been distancing themselves from the students and public opinion is firmly against continued occupation of the streets of Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. There is an overwhelming desire for business and traffic to return to normal.
That can only happen if demonstrators turn to the time-tested methods of peaceful lobbying and reasoned negotiation with authorities. Violence is never an option. Student leaders have only one choice: to tell supporters it is time to go home.