EditorialRelationship between police and disaffected must be swiftly healed

Protesters accuse officers of using excessive force to break up demonstrations, but although there is need for more astute training in crowd control, those whose job it is to keep the peace should not be harassed

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A protester throws an egg at officers at the police headquarters in Wan Chai. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 10:05pm, 28 Jun 2019Updated: 6:37am, 29 Jun 2019

It is a sad day when trust between police and the citizens they serve break down. But that is what seemingly has happened in Hong Kong, with relations sinking as a result of clashes following protests over the extradition bill.

A campaign is under way calling into question the good name of the force and the officers who carry out its duties. The approach is unjust; police are politically neutral and work for the common good.

Worries are rife about morale in police ranks. Retired officers and defenders of the force will hold a rally of support tomorrow. Protesters have besieged police headquarters in Wan Chai, preventing the carrying out of duties, insulting officers and daubing obscenities on walls.

Among outrages on social media, there has been the publishing of the names and personal details of hundreds of officers and addresses, leading to harassment and bullying.

Protesters allege police used excessive force to break up demonstrations in Admiralty on June 12 and object to initially being labelled rioters, although police chief Stephen Lo Wai-chung later stepped back from the tag.