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Protests, clashes as bid to block Hong Kong mask ban fails

20 Comments
By EILEEN NG and JOHN LEICESTER

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I wish Americans cared about their democracy and their way of life as fervently as these folks do.

It should be noted that the HK authorities and the mainland government banned the use of masks because it subverts their extensive use of facial recognition. Knowing exactly who is at these demonstrations is the first step to wholesale repression.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

In awe and humbled by the persistence of these protestors.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

What if the police just did nothing for a week? Just let the protestors protest in peace. The hooligans will be bored with no one attempting to contain them.

The HK citizens are NOT hooligans. They are not protesting because their "bored". They are protesting for freedom and democracy. They do NOT want to live under brutal and murderous and evil Communist rule. Do you?

Its alright for some people who have never had to fight for freedom and democracy. Those of us on the side of democracy are behind these brave HK citizens.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

This is also another good study material for political science. If you want to implement any law, make sure you have majority support and trust of the people; otherwise, it is useless and just make things worst.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

As I watch the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong, I am reminded of a couple of important truths.

-- When citizens have no means to effect change in the country through peaceful means, including through the mechanisms of a full and free democracy, they either bow down to the authorities or they resort to the only avenues left to them: civil unrest and even violence. That doesn't mean that violence is desirable but sometimes it is inevitable. And necessary for those that desire change.

-- One person's terrorists / thugs / criminals can be another person's freedom fighters / revolutionaries.

To the first point, the people of HK have been left no choice. They have no ability to effect change in HK. Only mass protests resulted in the extradition law being shelved. But even now, they have no mechanism to directly elect their CE. They have no ability to elect a government of their choosing. It is a government controlled by puppets of Beijing.

To the second point, the CCP sees those in the streets of HK as terrorists or criminals, but I would imagine that the Nationalists thought the same of Mao and his merry band of fighters in 1949. Why did Mao and his revolution occur? Because there was a government in place that ignored the needs of the people. Among other reasons.

Which is why the CCP tolerates no dissent. They understand that the only way to maintain control in an authoritarian state is with a ruthless iron fist.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Police said masked rioters also attacked bystanders, including two men left unconscious after bloody beatings and a woman who took photos of rioting.

Maybe government thugs?

Plenty of peaceful demonstrators have been attacked and injured, haven’t they?

And lest we forget, the footage of the Hong Kong police spraying noxious liquid into the faces of cowering protesters on the subway train will stay with me forever!

The people of Hong Kong have built that city-they have a right to protest there if they wish....

7 ( +8 / -1 )

@kurisupisuToday 07:58 am JST

There are pictures showing police was changing to protester's clothing. Also, video showing the MTR stations were vandalized after they have been closed (who could get in there?)

5 ( +6 / -1 )

They always show the frontlines on those articles, I understand it's more attractive, but it diminishes the fact that millions of peaceful protesters are behind.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

DEFIANCE! Why should these HKers obey the face mask rule when the HK 'leaders' are an illegitimate cartel of stooge puppets for the CCP in the first place? The HK authorities have proven to be illegal already.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Who are those violent pro-democracy rioters ?

The only hope, at this stage. Something awful is coming.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Don't most Western country's already have a law regarding full face covering.

Not on the streets.

For example, you must remove a full-face helmet when entering a bank or government building.

This is not equivalent to the what's happening in HK.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

HSBC is going to let go 10,000 people soon. I wonder if those will be the same ones who took part in a demonstration recently ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The HK citizens are NOT hooligans. They are not protesting because their "bored". They are protesting for freedom and democracy. They do NOT want to live under brutal and murderous and evil Communist rule

HK is part of China. What is it you say when people criticize jaoan for acting repugnant, I.e, whaling? China's territory. China's laws. China's right.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

peaceful demonstrators

I support HK's right to autonomy and freedom.

However, these protesters are throwing molotov cocktails and smashing up innocent storeowners' businesses.

They are not peaceful anymore. Neither are the police. Call it what it is, a small-scale revolt.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Thsese  "Rioters/Sabotagers/Hooligans" must pay back for their "CRIMES" done in the city after the trade talks came to a conclusion or ending! Further measure will be tighter and harsh and they knew their fate is further away from democracy and liberty! Because these renegades never deserve these!

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

What if the police just did nothing for a week? Just let the protestors protest in peace. The hooligans will be bored with no one attempting to contain them.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

"This emergency law is so ancient and draconian. Carrie Lam is using it as some sort of weapon of mass destruction to nuke Hong Kong," said legislator Claudia Mo.

Legislature ? Where were you when HK under Colonial rule ? Why do you have that colonial name ?

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

Who are those violent pro-democracy rioters ?

-19 ( +1 / -20 )

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