Letters | Hong Kong protesters’ greatest grievance is police conduct: there are ways to address it
- Disbanding the force is not an option, but mandating the use of police body cameras and commissioning an independent inquiry would assuage public concerns, de-escalate the situation and could buy a ceasefire
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.
We must also recognise that most protesters are peaceful and truly want a better future for Hong Kong.
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.
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