Many people have been calling for an independent study into the cause of the recent riot in the Mong Kok area of Hong Kong. If the terms of reference are set right, an independent study may indeed prove useful. For example, reports say social media tools have increasingly been used by individuals and organizations to politically radicalize people.
Many young people get the attention and approval of peer groups in social media by saying outlandish things, because bold and provocative comments are more likely to attract attraction. In fact, terrorist groups are known to be adept at using social media to recruit youths to their ranks. So, how important was social media in instigating the Mong Kok riot?
Unfortunately, those who ask for an independent study into the cause of the riot seem more interested in finding faults with the Hong Kong government than in finding what might avert such crises. A commentator, sympathizing with the Mong Kok rioters, wrote: "No one is born an opponent of the government and violent. If one had the choice, who would want to put himself at risk and be labeled a rioter?" But the same could be said about Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 innocent people in Norway in 2011. Indeed, one could say the same thing about all criminals. So where does all this end?
The worrying thing is that instead of condemning the riot, many opinion leaders have sympathized with the rioters. Perhaps as a result of this, more people, rather than moderating their behavior, are now using violent language. One netizen even said he would pay a reward of HK$10,000 for every policeman killed.
In response, Hong Kong Legislative Council member Priscilla Leung, said people who say such things are being cruel to young people, and inciting them to violent acts was tantamount to condemning them to a life of hopelessness and hatred.
Every society has its share of violent and radical people. Therefore, we don't need a study on the cause of the Hong Kong riot. We need, instead, an unequivocal message for the Hong Kong public that violent acts and language will not be tolerated.
Grenville Cross, former director of public prosecution in Hong Kong, suggested to the secretary for justice to consider which type of courts the charges against suspected rioters would be heard in. Convictions in the High Court, District Court or the Magistrates' Court of Hong Kong could carry different maximum sentences. To achieve the necessary deterrence, a charge commensurate with the degree of potential damage caused and criminal intent should be made in an appropriate court.
Of course, meting out the necessary punishment to the guilty is not the only response Hong Kong needs. It also needs to address the concerns that worry youths, such as upward social mobility, jobs, more equitable income distribution, greater support for cultural and artistic pursuits and affordable housing. But everyone should realize there can be no quick fixes to any of these problems.
After the Mong Kok riot, there is a greater need for the authorities to monitor what is going on in Hong Kong's social media. There is an even greater need for all those concerned about Hong Kong's future to respect the law and follow standard rules and procedures. Offenders need to be brought to justice.
We hope police officers, judges and civil servants all bear this in mind.
