To justify a politically motivated intervention, the administration scared everyone with claims that more than a million migrants would swamp the city and overwhelm the economy unless Beijing stepped in. Undermining an independent judiciary to achieve political goals may make xenophobes feel better in the short run. It will not serve the citizenry in the long run. The violent few who are responsible for the firebombing will rightfully be tried for their crimes. These are lessons that all Hong Kongers, the majority of whom can trace their familial roots back to the mother country, had the opportunity to learn.
Legitimate newcomers deserve the same chance.
Show them there is a fair process. Confidence in a legal system in which due process cannot be derailed by political expediency will do more to prevent violent protest than will expulsion. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .