Hong Kong protesters’ greatest grievance is police conduct: there are ways to address it

The civil unrest in Hong Kong is about to enter its seventh month, after a lull that was all too brief. The lives of residents have been severely affected, and we have witnessed acts of violence, serious damage to public and private property, and even threats to life. Neither side is prepared to stand down, and the rhetoric has only become more extreme.

While the government has already withdrawn the controversial bill that sparked the whole movement, it has not made further concessions to defuse the situation. To de-escalate, it is important to understand why protesters are becoming radicalised.

The protesters’ greatest grievance now seems to be the perceived use of excessive force by the police.

It is important for both protesters and the police to recognise that some of their actions have gone beyond the bounds of acceptability. However, it is also important to recognise that most police officers have gone above and beyond their duty, and have steadfastly maintained a high standard of professionalism.

Some of their more extreme actions are understandable, given that the same people they are supposed to protect are now attacking and insulting them. They are only human, even if these actions could further inflame tensions, creating a vicious circle.

We must also recognise that most protesters are peaceful and truly want a better future for Hong Kong.

It is unrealistic to disband the police force, as some protesters have demanded. One option – adopted by many US police departments – that could alleviate public anxiety is to mandate the use of body cameras for police officers on duty.

This would reassure the public that their complaints can be easily verified while also protecting police officers against groundless accusations.

Moreover, the police should direct more of their efforts at preventing criminal activities that endanger lives, and take a less confrontational stance in other circumstances such as unlawful assembly. The opposition, for their part, should renounce the use of violence, and condemn those who resort to it.

Lastly, an independent inquiry must be set up to look into the causes of this protest movement, the conduct of both the police and the protesters, and solutions to prevent further problems.

I suggest setting up a conflict resolution committee composed of neutral mediation experts and headed by a well-respected international figure acceptable to our leaders in Beijing – someone such as a former general secretary of the United Nations or a statesman such as former American president Barack Obama.

The opposition should be willing to accept a ceasefire to allow the committee to do its work. Such a move will also silence the criticisms of Western governments. We should not give up hope; it is always darkest before the dawn.

Dr Adrian Wu, Central