Something is very wrong with the system for approving these marches when the appeal board takes at face value an organiser’s claim that a march will be peaceful, choosing to ignore police advice, and there seems to be no consequences for the organiser if the claim turns out to be wrong.
Surely the organiser of such a protest march should be made to put up a bond of a significant amount to cover damage resulting from the demonstration, instead of simply making a claim to the appeal board and getting off scot-free when the claim proves to be wrong. Mr Mo should be held responsible for his actions. Of course, withholding approval won’t stop the protests, but at least, from the very outset, let them be illegal assemblies with the consequences that come with that definition.
(From Bob Rogers, Sai Kung)
Militant protesters have lost overseas support
I live in New Zealand and frequently travel to both mainland China and Hong Kong. I am one of thousands living overseas who support the democratic rights of Hongkongers living under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, which China has upheld.
