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Letters

I recall vividly attending a lecture at Gray’s Inn, London, a few years ago, where Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, chief justice of Hong Kong, spoke forcefully and convincingly on the subject of “Strength and Fragility in Tandem: the Rule of Law in Hong Kong”. 
In view of the recent events in Hong Kong, I wonder if his views remain the same. The fragility of the rule of law appears to have cast a shadow over the strength.
Many have commented on the Hong Kong Police Force’s apparent rise above the law as police officers choose to make their own rules and completely disregard international guidelines on the use of force.
There was another silent march organised by the legal profession on August 7. Perhaps the lawyers are as perplexed as I am about “new laws” which enable Hong Kong police officers to arrest young people in possession of “lethal weapons” such as laser pens.
Patricia Wat, Dublin
Hongkongers are pushing their luck
I am totally fed up with events in Hong Kong, particularly reports of masked men lowering the Chinese state flag outside a shopping centre and throwing it into the sea. This disrespectful behaviour should not be tolerated by the police and the government.
Why can’t Hongkongers keep their nose clean and live a peaceful life? All of us Hongkongers deserve it.
Hongkongers, especially young people, should not take the peace, prosperity and security of the city since the handover for granted. Don’t forget, there are countries in the Middle East which are at war. There are people in Africa fighting for their lives due to a lack of food, water and natural resources.
Hong Kong is one of the best places to live – but for how much longer?
Hongkongers should consider themselves really lucky.
The protests must stop now before there are dire consequences from the Chinese central government such as military occupation of the city. This can really happen if the central government thinks Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is no longer fit to continue in office.
Eunice Li, Shanghai



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Hong Kong court jails social worker for over 3½ years in retrial on rioting

Former Hong Kong opposition lawmakers jailed for causing Legco ruckus

Hong Kong extradition bill

Hong Kong police are threatening the rule of law by disregarding international norms on the use of force

A member of the police special tactical squad subdues an extradition bill protester in Mong Kok on August 3. Photo: Felix Wong

Hong Kong police given carte blanche to suppress unrest

My guess is that Hong Kong police have been given unconditional support and carte blanche to suppress unrest and protests without the fear of subsequent punishment, writes Alex Lo. Photo: Felix Wong

How Hong Kong police, once considered ‘Asia’s finest’, fell from grace

Protesters and police clash in Sha Tin after a peaceful march to demand the withdrawal of the extradition bill, on July 14. Photo: Felix Wong

Kevin Sinclair, veteran South China Morning Post journalist and ardent supporter of the Hong Kong police. Photo: SCMP

Police must not forget they protect everyone

Police officers must remember their duty is to protect everyone, including those they have no sympathy for. Photo: Dickson Lee

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong police are threatening the rule of law by disregarding international norms on the use of force

Letters | Hong Kong police are threatening the rule of law by disregarding international norms on the use of force