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Police officers in anti-riot gear patrol outside the headquarters of the force in Wan Chai, early on June 22. Protesters laid siege to the building for 15 hours the previous day. Photo: Edmond So

Letters | Hong Kong police response to violent protesters has not been extreme and officers deserve respect

  • Our police did not turn violent until protesters did, and their actions were not unusual by global standards
I totally concur with Mr Grenville Cross regarding respect and the enforcement of the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Police Force is underappreciated and has been much maligned recently by both the local Hong Kong and foreign media. Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, and much of this is because of our respect for and adherence to the law, and the professionalism of our police force. It is their job to ensure safety and protect our citizens.

It is miraculous, and a source of pride, that the major protests staged recently against the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance – with crowds numbering anywhere up to 2 million – went off peacefully on the whole. Only when tempers flared, and a small group started to hurl bricks and use barriers in an attempt to storm the legislative building, did the police take action.
The use of tear gas and rubber bullets was, admittedly, an “over the top” reaction. But, consider their actions in comparison to how police have dealt with demonstrations and unruliness in other places in the world. It is important that our people realise that the Hong Kong police on the whole act with restraint in controlling unruly actions during demonstrations.
In his column of June 28, Alex Lo cites examples of police action elsewhere. I have looked up other reports from around the globe. There have been sustained demonstrations in France by the “yellow vests”. A Reuters report on April 27, when about 2,000 demonstrators protested in Strasbourg, said French police fired tear gas to push back protesters who tried to march towards the European Parliament.
British police remove climate change activists from the road around the Bank of England in the City of London financial district, on April 25 during protests by the Extinction Rebellion group. Photo: AFP

The Guardian in April reported how London police took “positive action” to clear protests by Extinction Rebellion climate demonstrators, who police said were causing “serious disruptions to public transport, local businesses and Londoners who wish to go about their daily business”. At least 1,065 persons were arrested during the week’s protests and 53 persons charged.

The job of the police is to keep law and order. They protect our city, our citizens, and recently have done a remarkable job under difficult and trying circumstances. They deserve our admiration and gratitude, rather than insults and criticism.

N. Fung, Repulse Bay

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