by Gabriel Chin
Four months ago, not a single soul would have guessed that Hong Kong (HK) would be facing its worst crisis in the history of its existence. Reports are being churned out on a weekly basis highlighting the sheer violence that has erupted between the protestors and police. The 2019 Hong Kong Protests were triggered by the HK Government’s decision to consider an Extradition Bill that would enable suspected criminals to be sent to China for trial. There were immense fears that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could abuse the bill to rid themselves of political adversaries that would otherwise be protected under HK law. Moreover, pro-democracy advocates fear that the long-standing “one country, two systems” policy will be eroded and strengthen China’s encroachment into HK’s democratic principles. After the first violent clashes between the black-clad protestors and riot police on 12th June and the siege of the Legislative Council Complex on 1st July, Chief Executive Carrie Lam effectively suspended the Bill on 15th July claiming that it was “dead”. However, the protestors have moved on to press for further demands while the police have resorted to increasingly brutal methods to quash the movement.
There are many instances of protestors striking police officers, destroying public property and forcibly pulling others into the ongoing conflict. On the other hand, the HK police have employed harsh methods to subdue suspects, beating them excessively and firing tear gas and rubber bullets without concern for safety. With violence increasing on both sides, the main question on everyone’s mind is: Who is justified in their approach?
THE PROTESTORS: FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE?
On the side of the protestors, they claim that the protests are primarily aimed at attaining five core demands: official withdrawal of the bill, for leader Carrie Lam to step down, a neutral third-party inquiry into police brutality, for arrested protestors to be released, and universal suffrage. The movement is currently leaderless with two main factions, one supporting peaceful demonstration and the other advocating violence against the authority. Thus far, we have seen a mix of both approaches with sanctioned marches throughout the city taking place alongside bricks and petrol bombs being flung at police barricades, government buildings and even the homes of police officers’ families. There has been deep disagreement over the suitability of either approach and it appears that the overall strategy has been counter-intuitive.
The peaceful marches have gained wide support for the movement both within Hong Kong and overseas (Australia, Germany, Netherlands and UK to name a few). These marches are often sanctioned by the HK government and police and can proceed with close supervision. It is heart-warming to see young children, families and the elderly marching alongside the young people to champion their cause and stand in solidarity against the various injustices they have suffered at the hands of the police and government.
However, the radical wing of protesters have caused the disruption of major roads, train services and even the international airport which has earned them widespread condemnation as well. Not to mention the assault of police officers and those suspect of being agents for the HK police and China. The sight of travellers desperately pleading with protestors at the airport and lone policemen being viciously assaulted raises questions if they movement has lost sight of its main objectives. Moreover, the movement has been accused of being influenced by foreign agents to discredit the Hong Kong and Chinese government.
THE POLICE: FIGHTING FOR ORDER?
The police have often been portrayed as brutalist and merciless in their dealings with the protests erupting across the city. Images of bloodied protestors being manhandled by police and videos showing defenceless individuals being bludgeoned and pepper sprayed have done little to strengthen the HK police force’s image in the eyes of Hong Kongers. There are also reports of tear gas grenades being fired into residential areas and train stations which has caused residents to turn on police as the former are often choked out of their own homes by the noxious chemicals. The police are also accused of collusion with Chinese triads as they blatantly ignored the violent actions of pro-government mobs on civilians and protestors alike. There have been several cases of people being slashed, stabbed and assaulted simply for wearing black with few have been arrested and charged. Thus far, public trust in the police is at an all time low with residents openly jeering police officers on patrol and protestors readily meeting anti-riot lines with metal poles and umbrellas. However, condemning entire police force outright would not be a fair judgement without considering their circumstances.
The police force is, to put it bluntly, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Not only are they expected to carry out their official duty to maintain peace and order, they are at the frontlines dealing with an increasingly erratic and irate movement that continues to direct their aggression against the government by taking it out on the often-outnumbered police officers. While they face constant hostilities, they must also deal with knowing that their colleagues are being gravely injured on a regular basis and that their families are rarely safe from the enraged protestors. Accusations of triad collusion may also raise doubts about the integrity of the organisation they have committed to serve. Furthermore, the passive attitudes towards the pro-police/pro-China/pro-government mobs have only deepened the public’s hatred towards the organisation. All these stressors can lead to irrational and violent behaviour especially if they are given a clear opportunity to get revenge by attacking protestors under the guise of maintaining law and order.
Nonetheless, on some occasions, the police have also demonstrated restraint and shown professionalism in engaging protests. Recently, a senior police officer received praise for gently urging protestors to return home with a megaphone while other officers refrained from using force to disperse the crowds. Unfortunately, such instances are far and few in between.
THE VERDICT?
For myself, I will admit that I am more sympathetic towards pro-democracy movements and the goals that the protestors are fighting for. The unique democratic freedoms that Hong Kong enjoys have always been its pride and joy especially since it allows them to gain privileges that they would not have under the Chinese government. It is encouraging to see that the political maturity and intellect of the HK citizens has only grown stronger over time and that they are fully aware that a government should serve its people and not the other way around. However, the rise in violence has increased my doubts as to whether the protestors are still fighting for their ideals. It appears that they are now mainly out to retaliate against all forms of aggression against them. The police may have more documented cases of brutality, but I feel that these so-called mobs are partly to blame in the increased outrage against the police. As long at the police force continues to be passive against these groups, the protestors will always believe that the two factions are one in the same. Pressure is mounting on Carrie Lam and the government to take immediate actions to de-escalate the conflict but at the moment, it appears that the violence is going to continue for the foreseeable future.
For more updates please feel free to check out the following links:
Protestor’s Official Telegram Group:
For instant updates on protests and a pro-protester’s perspective on the incidents that occur during these clashes.
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong
South China Morning Post:
Primarily reports and analysis on the current conflict from the eyes of academics, government officials and media that are mainly pro-government/pro-police/pro-china
https://www.scmp.com/asia
The Watercooler 