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‘Disgusted’ Hong Kong civil servants warn of strike in second petition to government over handling of protests
- More than 350 officers launch second petition in a month condemning force’s handling of anti-government protests
- Some police behaviour goes against international norms, they say, warning of strike if government refuses to make concessions
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More than 350 Hong Kong government workers have launched a second petition to their employer in less than a month – this time with much stronger wording – saying they are “absolutely disgusted” at police’s use of force against protesters, and warning of a strike if the government continues to sit on the fence over months of unrest.
In an anonymous petition on Thursday, the group of middle-ranking civil servants condemned the force’s handling of the recent protests, including firing tear gas in railway stations and residential areas, and shooting pepper balls from close range at Tai Koo MTR station last Sunday.
The employees, from various departments, attached their staff cards, with names obscured, to prove their authenticity.
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“We have lost count of the number of ‘crimes against humanity’ Hong Kong police committed and we feel ashamed to call them colleagues,” they wrote, citing UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet’s warning that some acts by the force could run against international norms.
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“If the government refuses to make any concession, it will disappoint civil servants and leave little room for dialogue. We cannot preclude some colleagues making their voices heard by taking part in marches, rallies, or strikes, to save Hong Kong from the brink of breakdown.”
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