Letters | Hong Kong protest violence cannot be condoned, but neither can police brutality
- Are Hong Kong police really using minimal force, when they brandish rifles, threaten bodily harm and arrest first-aiders? If this is not the Hong Kong Police Force we used to know, we must say so
The police engaged in an incredible amount of dishonesty and needless intimidation. The police arrested everyone who surrendered, although they had followed police instructions and exited through a designated street. Perhaps the police thought the protesters understood exiting as unconditional surrender. No one saw it that way.
What we saw was a dishonest tactic, a 180-degree turn, which ended violently. Are the police seeking revenge or just being overzealous? Either way, these traits have no place in a professional police force and especially not what once was “Asia’s Finest”.
“Blue ribbon” supporters: if you truly believe the police are using minimal force, then you must denounce the carrying of submachine guns, the threats of real violence and the arrests of first-aiders.
No matter where we stand, we must now, more than ever, push for and support an independent inquiry into police brutality. Only then will those who performed immoral acts be duly condemned.
Cyril Ma, Shun Lee