A mockery of democracy

Other Views

Firm reaction to lawbreakers

By attempting to charge against the Hong Kong Special Administration Region government venue despite a court prohibition, even using the Internet to openly incite students and citizens to assemble, the protesters have upgraded their challenge to the rule of law. Their political intentions are obvious - to increase pressure upon the SAR government and the central leadership of the whole nation. That's against the law and the people's will and the government needs to react firmly.

Ta Kung Pao, Dec 1

The "Occupy Central" participators proudly call themselves "freedom fighters"; but they challenge people's freedom to do business, destroy residents' freedom to live a peaceful life, even trample upon the freedom of passers-by to walk on the streets. They should openly declare their political intentions instead of shouting "freedom" because they are ruining it.

Gao Zhixian, writer, on sina blog

Various articles in the laws of the Hong Kong SAR clearly state that a rally must receive approval first and the participants should not incite violence or occupy areas by force; doubtlessly, the "Occupy Central" campaign has broken them and even their organizers know they are doing something illegal. Hong Kong is proud of its rule of law and now it is time they pay for their illegal deeds.

cssn.cn, Dec 1

The "Occupy Central" activities are not civil disobedience: civil disobedience means to rally social attention by sacrificing oneself, but they are hurting others. If they continue their wrong deeds, they will lose the last support of the residents and the campaign is doomed to fail.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, Hong Kong Legislative Council member, ifeng TV, Nov 30

Hong Kong tolerates all opinions and its residents are cautious about expressing their opinions. The fact that 1.8 million people have signed their names to oppose "Occupy Central" means they are already totally disgusted with this illegal deed that threatens their normal, peaceful lives. It is this common view of the people that supports the Hong Kong SAR government to take legal measures to end the chaos.

chinanews.com, Nov 29