Editorial | Hong Kong must put end to hatred in the search for common ground
- Violence has increased in the 100 days since first mass protest and, as other groups become involved, now is the time for all sides to draw back and come up with solutions
Following the government’s announcement to formally withdraw the bill, the scale of protests has become smaller. Yet protesters’ actions are seemingly more violent, prompting a more aggressive response not just from police, but also from those who disagree with them. Worryingly, both sides seem to accept the increased level of violence between them.
It is dangerous when people take the law into their own hands and such behaviour will only fuel more clashes and make law enforcement even more difficult. As the October 1 National Day draws nearer, concern has been raised that there will be further chaos.
The situation stems partly from a growing perception that police are harsh on protesters, but lenient to those who assault activists and journalists.
While the behaviour of individual police officers has been questioned, the truth is that increased violence has made law enforcement more difficult. Even more worrying is an apparent rise in people’s tolerance of hostility, which may push Hong Kong to the brink of lawlessness and has to be avoided at all costs.