Political systems Large scale protest lead to violence
The large scale protest in Hong Kong have led to violence between the demonstrators and the police.

This has happened in other countries. 

Sometimes, the police that took action to break up the demonstrations. This led to the violence.

Sometimes, the demonstrators throw objects at the police before the police stepped forward to break them up.

In some cases, it is not the demonstrators that caused the violence. Third parties hooligans came in to provoke the violence between the demonstrators and the police.

And in some cases, the hooligans are paid by interested parties to cause the violence and to pass the blame to the demonstrators. 

It is perhaps the avoidance of violence that caused the Singapore government to stop large scale demonstrations by requiring the organizers to get a police permit.

However, the constitution of most countries guarantee the right of the citizens to express their views. Demonstrations is one form of this expression.

A small scale demonstration is not likely to lead to violence. 

However, what is there to prevent a small scale demonstration from becoming a large scale demonstration?

Let me suggest one approach. 

Demonstrations and protests should be allowed as long as it remains peaceful.

When there is violence, the police can make a declaration that it is illegal and the demonstrators will be required to disperse. 

With modern technology, it should be possible for the police to make this declaration and pass the message.  Most peaceful demonstrators are likely to obey the law. This will leave only the few hooligans to be managed by the police.

Tan Kin Lian

Vote - do you agree with my approach to allow peaceful demonstrations?




 

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