After Hiatus, Hong Kong Protests Erupt Again

Hong Kong police surrounding the Prince Edward MTR station last night

 

Yesterday marked the six-month anniversary of the August 31 incident at the Prince Edward MTR station, where protesters were attacked by Hong Kong police and some people believe three people died at the scene and were unaccounted for, despite no evidence.

Since then people have been coming to a particular MTR exit in the district and have built a make-shift memorial covered in flowers and candles. The police have repeatedly tried to clear it out, but protesters keep coming back and rebuilding the memorial.

A policeman pulled out his handgun to defend himself

Now it has been six months and the Hong Kong government is no closer to resolving the eight months of protests let alone authorize an independent investigation into police brutality. And even though there are fears of the coronavirus spreading in the city, protesters came suitably masked to commemorate the violent anniversary, though the police were there too.

Pepper spray was unleashed at close range, along with tear gas. And a bonus -- a policeman brandished his handgun as protesters threw bricks, stones and bamboo sticks at him. He had fallen away from the rest of the group (obviously not following orders) and so he was desperately defending himself with a live weapon that he thankfully did not fire.

In the end 115 people were arrested, but in the end how many will be charged?

This morning Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo Po bemoaned the incident last night, warning how these violent protests along with the coronavirus were impacting Hong Kong severely.

Petrol bombs were thrown in Prince Edward, tear gas fired

"The blocking of roads and the use of petrol bombs in Mongkok [on Saturday]... was worrying," Chan said in a television talk show on Sunday. "If violent clashes continue, that would harm citizens' safety, hurt consumer sentiment and affect business."

This he said could affect the city economically.

"Foreign businessmen in Hong Kong have started to ask themselves if they should move their families out of Hong Kong, and if they need to have other plans for their businesses," he said.

But these foreign businessmen (and women) also know that it is the government that has done nothing to resolve the tension in the city, creating an even greater divide in how we tackle the coronavirus. Seventeen years ago everyone was united in fighting SARS, but now a divided city makes it harder to overcome this epidemic that can soon become a pandemic.

Dr Gabriel Leung says the clinics help fight the coronavirus

Also last night petrol bombs were thrown at the South Kwai Chung Jockey Club General Outpatient Clinic, which is one of 18 designated medical facilities for screening patients with minor respiratory symptoms of infection. Protesters don't want this happening near where they live, fearing they will have a higher chance of being infected with the coronavirus.

Dozens also protested at three other clinics in Shau Kei Wan, Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Bay, demanding the government find other locations not near residential neighbourhoods.

But infectious disease expert Professor Gabriel Leung of the University of Hong Kong said it was a matter of practicality and empathy.

"Would you rather have these Hong Kong patients walking around on the streets, looking for clinics? Or would you rather have them going to a designated clinic which would be put under very strict protective measures?" he said. "Even if you are selfish, you would want them to seek help as soon as possible."

Residents protesting the clinic being used for coronavirus tests

Looks like the government (and health experts) need to communicate more with the public in explaining what the authorities are doing to screen people in a methodical way using the utmost safety precautions, but at the same time reassuring them so they aren't terrified.

It's difficult to strike a balance for sure, and on the whole Hong Kong should be commended for doing a pretty good job so far thanks to almost everyone wearing masks and washing hands often.

But in the meantime we shouldn't be surprised to see more protests on the streets. It ain't over yet...