EditorialCity remains divided over Yuen Long attack
- Jailing of seven members of white-clad mob who attacked train travellers with sticks has both been greeted and criticised, but fallout from the shocking incident remains to be addressed
The Yuen Long mob attack at the height of 2019 protests against the now-withdrawn extradition bill continues to divide society.
To many, outraged by the brutality and lawlessness, the sentencing on Thursday of seven people – ranging from 3 1/2 years to seven years in jail, the longest terms for rioting to date – is justice well overdue. But the divisive chapter is far from over, especially when attempts to address unanswered questions still fall short of expectations.
The polarised reaction to the ruling speaks volumes. Some people carrying a national flag who sat in the public gallery of the District Court cursed the judge after he had left the room.
Others described the ruling as unfair, including the wife of one of the convicted, who told a press conference that her husband and others were merely “defending the homeland”.
There are well-established appeal channels for the aggrieved parties. Rowdy behaviour in court does nothing for the administration of justice, and disputes should be settled within the judicial framework.
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Rod-wielding mob dressed in white storms Hong Kong’s Yuen Long MTR station, attacks protesters and passers-by
Those who were attacked continue to take issue with the late response of police and wonder why masterminds behind the violent incident are still free.