Letters | Hong Kong’s pro-democracy candidates triumphed at the polls. Now they must take the big debate off the streets
- A society aspiring to become a mature democracy mustn’t justify violent acts – by the police or protesters
- Unanimously denouncing violence will open the door to a much-needed conversation on Hong Kong’s future while protesters’ demands can be pursued through democratic processes
Any modern society that aspires to become a mature democracy can’t, under any circumstances, justify violent acts. I’m sad to say, however, that many in Hong Kong seem to have been dazzled by what used to be (and still is) a righteous cause and have turned a blind eye to the violence all around them, thereby doing a tremendous disservice to the city. Whether it is out of fear or fidelity, some people’s silence on the violence that has turned Hong Kong upside down speaks volumes about their lack of principles.
This double standard must end. Violence is violence, no matter the perpetrator. Radical protesters will feel empowered to carry out violent acts as long as the people of Hong Kong continue to wipe the slate clean after each wave of protests.
Hongkongers need to set aside their political differences and unanimously denounce all forms of violence. Such a gesture would not only deflate tensions, but also open the door to a much-needed, long-overdue conversation about the future of Hong Kong.
Hongkongers have spoken. Will Beijing heed their call for political reform?
Cesar Lardies Rivas, Sham Shui Po