Opinion | Hong Kong’s violent protesters should face the full force of the law – being young is no excuse
- By attacking police and civilians, and destroying MTR stations and businesses, they have declared war on society. Courts have a duty to respond with stiff sentences as appropriate punishment and as a deterrent to others
In August 2011, riots erupted in several English cities and towns, triggered by the shooting of a criminal suspect in London. There was arson and looting, homes, shops and vehicles were destroyed, five people were killed, and more than 16 citizens and 189 police officers injured.
Then-prime minister David Cameron condemned the rioting as “utterly unacceptable”, adding there was “no justification for the aggression the police and the public faced, or for the damage to property”.
More than 1,000 were prosecuted, often young people, and those convicted earned severe jail sentences. When challenged, the Court of Appeal upheld the use of tough punishments for the “shocking and wholly inexcusable” conduct. The lord chief justice, Lord Judge, explained that “the imposition of severe sentences, intended to provide both punishment and deterrence, must follow”.
This sentencing approach has been endorsed throughout the common-law world. If people indulge in grave public disorder or wanton violence, they must expect to face condign punishment. Being youthful or of previous good character will not usually shield them from the criminal consequences.