Opinion | Hong Kong protests: to bridge city’s ‘blue’ and ‘yellow’ divide, police watchdog must walk the talk

While those in the ‘blue’ camp vociferously defend the police, ‘yellow ribbons’ are ready to believe the worst of the force

If the police watchdog is to be trusted, it must be seen to act proactively. The recent case of a tussle over video footage would be a good place to start

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Riot police officers make mass arrests in Wong Tai Sin following scuffles during a mass rally on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, on October 1, 2019. Photo: James Wendlinger

Published: 9:00am, 20 Apr 2020Updated: 9:21am, 20 Apr 2020

The division of Hong Kong into “blue” and “yellow” camps, which arguably began with the Occupy movement in 2014, has certainly accelerated since the extradition bill protests began last year. Hardcore blues can see no action by the police requiring censure or even investigation, while their yellow counterparts take as gospel truth every rumour, however wild and lacking in evidence.

It has become increasingly hard to hold the middle ground, to see error and truth on both sides. If we believe in democracy but also want a strong police force to keep the peace, where do we fit in? This is particularly a problem for media commentators.

I have been arguing in this newspaper for a decade now in favour of political reform, because I believe it is essential for Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity. Since last year I have been pressing for an independent commission of inquiry into the protests, because I believe this is a vital part of re-establishing social harmony. As these points correspond to two of the “five demands” promulgated by the protesters, does this make me a “yellow”? On the other hand, I have unreservedly condemned the violence and vandalism perpetrated by some yellows. Does this make me too pro-government, perhaps even a secret “blue”?

The extreme polarisation of our society is very unhealthy. It has alienated so many of our well-educated young people, to whom we might have looked to provide the future leadership of the government, including the police force. It may now be too late.

Let’s look at some specific allegations from a neutral perspective. Have there been instances of excessive force or other misconduct by the police? There probably have – the Yuen Long incident was a disgrace. Equally, some of the attacks by protesters are indistinguishable from terrorism. Throwing a Molotov cocktail at a policeman creates the possibility that he and bystanders will be burned alive. Doxxing the children of police officers is indefensible.

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