Editorial | Safeguarding ‘one country, two systems’ more important than ever
- Widespread vandalism that broke out after the introduction of law to ban face masks has pushed city into even greater danger
Disturbing scenes, including streets filled with tear gas and coloured spray from water cannons, rioters hurling petrol bombs and vandalising facilities and shops, citizens locked in bloody fist fights, questionable individual enforcement actions by police, public transport and shopping centres forced to shut, and attacks on journalists, have become all too familiar.
Even more lamentable is that they are becoming increasingly seen as something to live with as turmoil deepens. The latest episode saw the People’s Liberation Army in Kowloon Tong warning protesters targeting its barracks that they were breaking the law. Shops with mainland backgrounds or who support police actions are also among the latest targets. Protesters have even declared the “independence” of some districts.
The government said the violence used by masked rioters showed the ban was needed, but whether it succeeds remains to be seen. However, despite carrying a year in a jail and a HK$25,000 fine, its effectiveness so far appears limited. Many took to the streets peacefully in masks over the weekend, and pan-democrat lawmakers are due to contest the legality of the ban in court later this month.
Meanwhile, amid all the doubts and difficulties of enforcement, it remains in force. At least 13 people have been arrested and two were granted bail by a court yesterday. The arrest of those particularly young is cause for sober reflection.