Letters | The truth about Hong Kong? No one wants a return to the dark days of violent protests

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Protesters take cover under umbrellas during a protest outside Prince Edward MTR station on February 29. Photo: SOPA Images

Published: 6:55am, 18 Mar 2020Updated: 6:55am, 18 Mar 2020

I refer to the letter from Kyle Wong (“‘Puppet’ protesters turned violent? Guess who ordered show”, March 13) criticising a previous correspondent who had condemned the protesters for the mayhem they inflicted.

In accusing the government of being directly responsible for the rioters’ actions, Kyle Wong states that “no one really wants violence in Hong Kong”. Sorry to burst your bubble, Mr Wong, but actually, yes, the rioters did.

The masked youths with their spears, crossbows and petrol bombs revelled in it. They enjoyed being part of a gang, taunting the police and engaging in arson, mayhem and wanton destruction. If they didn’t want violence, why did they turn two of the city’s universities into petrol bomb factories? Why did they pour flammable liquid on an innocent man and set him on fire? Why are people still being arrested for possession of explosive substances?

What no one wants, Mr Wong, is a return to those dark days. And it is to be hoped that, notwithstanding the tacit support for the rioters among certain people in the city, the courts are robust in dealing with those arrested, prosecuted and found guilty for their parts in the mindless arson, vandalism and rioting that took place.

B.J. Carroll, South Horizons

Your Hong Kong puppet show is different from mine

I am writing in response to Mr David Adams’ letter (“What’s more virulent than the coronavirus? Hong Kong protest violence”, March 6).

Speaking of puppet shows, I agree with Mr Adams that we are watching one, though I doubt that we are looking at the same one.

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