From vandalising MTR stations to setting off petrol bombs, now Hong Kong protesters are going for fist fights or ‘si liu’ to settle scores with rival groups
- New line advocates physical retaliation against aggressive groups rather than retreating or asking police to mediate and enforce the law
- Call comes on top of an array of tactics protesters have been deploying over the past months, each appearing more violent than before
The growing use of force by anti-government protesters in Hong Kong took a new turn over the past weekend, with vigilantism being advocated as a way to tackle clashes with rival groups. As the city marked the 15th straight weekend of demonstrations, protesters adopted a new phrase – si liu – which is Cantonese for “resolving things privately”.
The line advocates physical retaliation against aggressive groups rather than retreating or asking police – whom many widely view as their enemy – to mediate and enforce the law.
Previously, clashes in Tsuen Wan, North Point and Yuen Long had involved groups of older men attacking black-clad protesters.
Over four days, from last Saturday to Tuesday morning, more than 140 discussion threads about fighting back were posted on LIHKG, an online forum frequented by protesters.
Some threads, including the one that called for people not to aim at heads during such fights, had more than 1,000 comments.
