Letters | As Hong Kong protesters turn into terrorists, the city needs a comprehensive terrorism law
Undoubtedly, the violent protesters, by blocking the MTR, airport and highways, throwing petrol bombs, burning down Bank of China branches and damaging Maxim’s restaurants and shops, fall within the definition of terrorists under the above law.
Faced with terrorists, the police is justified in using a greater level of force against them and have exercised considerable restraint so far.
The Terrorism Act 2000 gives necessary powers to British police to combat terrorism effectively. For example, it:
1. Allowed the police to detain people arrested for terrorism offences for up to seven days. (This was later amended.)
‘Terrorism’: behind the loaded word applied to Hong Kong protests
In relation to Northern Ireland, a person who is charged with a scheduled offence shall not be admitted to bail except by a judge of the High Court. The scheduled offences include riots, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, causing explosions, sending explosive substances or throwing corrosive liquid with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
In the Hong Kong context, the police must be given additional power to disable internet websites, through which the violent protesters are mobilised.
Hong Kong needs a more comprehensive terrorism legislation to further empower the police to effectively combat terrorism.
Edward Chow, Admiralty
