Hong Kong should crack down only on hate groups, and leave Occupy alone

Kerry Kennedy says that not all protest activity in the city is the same

The Occupy protest grew naturally out of the city's protest culture. Photo: Reuters

As the government seeks to use the provisions of the Public Order Ordinance to control protests in Hong Kong more effectively, some thought needs to be given to the nature of protest activity, what needs to be stamped out and what needs to be treated with respect. Not all protests can be regarded in the same way.

One of the most enduring features of Hong Kong's democratic development has been the growth of a constructive protest culture. Every Sunday, protest groups mobilise to highlight an issue seen to be of importance in the community. These may be small groups of individuals with a personal grievance or larger groups with political issues. The protests are peaceful, regulated and civically responsible. They show a civil society at work in Hong Kong. These protests do not need further regulation.

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