Observer: Indiscriminate violence leaves no one safe in Hong Kong

As the unrest in Hong Kong is unfolding into the sixth consecutive month, violent protesters are diverging further from “peaceful assembly” and descending into random attacks on the weak and innocent.

The horror of a man who was set alight in broad daylight by protesters is still lingering. More video clips emerging on Tuesday revealed appalling ferocities by rioters that cast fear and terror on common Hongkongers.

Hard objects were tossed one after another from an overpass occupied by violent protesters, targeting vehicles on the highway below during morning rush hours. A black-clad man threw a bicycle onto the railway tracks, shattering the nerves of commuters.

A set of photos caused even more concern and anxiety. One photo shows flames burning right in front of a school bus. In another photo, a young student lowers her head while flames and debris can be seen outside the bus window. It has been confirmed by Hong Kong police that the photos were taken after a rioter threw a petrol bomb at a school bus.

The government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Hong Kong police have shown their maximum extent of restraint to secure the lawful means of expression. However, rioters’ brutality is no different from terrorism, has gone far beyond the scope of “peaceful assembly” and “freedom of speech,” and has descended into the depths of immorality.

Violence is violence. It must be stopped, and crime must be punished.

Hongkongers are always proud to call Hong Kong a free port, but the port city is now tainted by months of violence in the name of freedom. The horrific scenes mentioned above also serve as a reminder for all Hongkongers that no one is immune from this violence, because rioting is eroding the city’s order and safety. Every citizen faces the risk of becoming the victim of extreme and indiscriminate violence.