EditorialClashes underline hard work ahead
- Return of violence to Hong Kong streets and the arrest of 289 people illustrate how difficult it will be to narrow society’s divide
Violence has regrettably returned to the city’s streets as protesters and the police clashed again on Sunday. While on a smaller scale than those at the peak of the social unrest last year, the confrontations were no less disturbing.
The ugly scenes are sad reminders the underlying issues that gave rise to the political turbulence over the past year have yet to be addressed.
Triggered by the government’s decision to postpone the Legislative Council elections for a year, the protest was one the largest since Beijing imposed the national security law in July.
But the arrest of at least 289 people, the most in recent months, also shows police remain firm in enforcement.
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At least 289 arrested as scattered groups rally over postponed election day
With the third wave of Covid-19 infections easing, negative sentiment unleashed in June last year by the now-withdrawn extradition bill has once again risen to the surface.