Did Hong Kong police show too much restraint when protesters stormed Legco?

I watched the shocking events of Monday unfold with dismay. It is the norm for Hong Kong people to express their dissatisfaction with protests and demonstrations. But recently, we have witnessed the adding of riots to the mix. Regardless of what misguided activists say, violence and the destruction of public property, and complete disregard for law and order, constitute riots.

On Monday, we witnessed peaceful protests and demonstrations too, but the rabble, with their sickening violence, have undone any good or sympathy, locally or abroad, that these peaceful protests might have achieved.

There was remarkable TV footage of well-turned-out frontline activists, in their smart yellow hard hats and black clothing, strutting about with complete impunity; some of them had the audacity to attack policemen.

All of us should commend the restraint of our police on the day and their noble efforts in safeguarding law and order. However, perhaps the police showed too much restraint, allowing rioters outside the Legislative Council building to smash windows and dismantle railings while threatening to storm it. What other major city in the world would have showed so much restraint in the face of such severe civil disturbance? I think none.

To the rioters, we should say enough is enough. You are taunting the enforcers of law and order and you should not be surprised if considerable force is exerted upon you to stop your totally unjustified vandalism.

To the police force, we should say thank you for doing your job well and with professionalism – please do not be disheartened, the vast majority of Hong Kong people stand with you during these troubling times and beyond.

Karl Hurst, Repulse Bay

Protesters acted with deliberate and wilful lawlessness

It is more than a demonstration when TV news scenes show wilful destruction of a public building, and a grey-haired senior bystander violently thrust aside when attempting to stop this, in the sight of policemen seemingly unwilling to carry out their proper duties lest they be branded and shamed.

These actions constituted deliberate and wilful lawlessness, and involved the destruction of public property, against which we must be protected by the full and proper application of Hong Kong law.

Why should those who use any means to deliver a message while seeking to attract the world’s media be allowed to step outside the law, while others of a contrary view must at all times stay within the law?

This is simply not good enough. Everyone, demonstrator or not, must be answerable to the law – and be held to account if they choose to break it.

James Blake, Ap Lei Chau