The report said the right to peaceful assembly and expression are in decline in Hong Kong.

The director of Amnesty International Hong Kong said that in previous years, protesters were not usually prosecuted or, even if convicted, were given community service – not to the point where they would be jailed.

I believe it is important that we take note of the report and work to maintain Hong Kong’s reputation as a city that upholds the freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and other ­human rights.

Once our right to express our opinion is destroyed, the space for Hong Kong to improve would be destroyed. Listening to people’s ideas could help the government build a better Hong Kong. We should not ban constructive criticism or opposing ideas.

Minnie Wong, Tsuen Wan

Locals left confused by village houses

It is frustrating for us in Sai Kung, when you see the random building of ­“village houses”, and on apparently open lots of land. There are three such buildings on Hiram’s Highway outside ­Marina Cove, which seem to have been built on a swathe of land which was due to be taken over for road widening.

The road widening is now taking place – and it seems the road is being built by circumventing them. We hear talk of compensation being sought.

The latest I have observed is on an open piece of land on Che Keng Tuk road.

Rumours are that it could be a pumping station/drainage station. However, judging by its ­design, this is not the case.

In any case, it is going up rather quickly and there do not appear to be any permits on site.

It is obvious to us tenants and users in the area, so why is the government not doing anything to halt this?

It would seem such a simple act to stop the building.

Chris Hanselman, Sai Kung

Elderly need better armour against fire

At least three of the deceased were living alone. In the latest tragedy, it was a stove and a washing machine that caught fire.

I believe these tragedies highlight not only the need for greater fire safety and awareness, but also how ­reduced reflexes and mobility may place the elderly, especially those living on their own, at greater risk. The elderly must be helped to understand the risks of using faulty or old electrical appliances, and offered financial aid to ­replace them, if need be.

Many public housing kitchens feature gas stoves. It can be dangerous if someone forgets to turn the stove off, or liquid spills on it to put out the flame but the gas keeps leaking. I think induction stoves would be a better choice for elderly citizens, as these do not cook by fire but heat, and may also have an auto switch-off function.

The Fire Services Department should install automatic sprinkler systems in each flat, which would also activate the fire alarms. That would allow more people to be alerted to the fire early and thus give them more time to leave the building, or help others to do so, therefore minimising casualties.

Clarins Ng, Hang Hau

Smoke-free airports best way to travel

Denver International Airport in the US state of Colorado has ­become a smoke-free facility as of last week, with the last smoking lounge closing on February 28.

I hope more airports around the world will follow suit, as more than half of the 50 busiest still ­allow travellers to smoke indoors.

After all, second-hand smoke can travel from the smoking areas to non-smoking zones, as people walk in and out of these lounges. Also, not many air passengers want to be seated next to someone reeking of cigarette smoke.

Rachel Tsang, Kwai Chung