[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The Hong Kong government is reportedly considering equipping police officers with stun guns and net guns to maintain order amid eight months of ongoing protests, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 15th.
A senior police official stated, "We are currently reviewing the introduction of stun guns and net guns," adding, "The more violently a suspect resists during arrest, the higher the chance of injury to both the suspect and the police. Diversifying the means of force is beneficial for both police and suspects."
The Hong Kong government, in principle, allows police to use force against illegal acts committed by protesters during demonstrations. A police official said, "Appropriate force will be used against illegal acts," and added, "We support all methods that can effectively handle violent situations while minimizing casualties."
Due to the protests ongoing since June, the number of people arrested by authorities has reached 7,000 so far.
Hong Kong human rights organizations strongly oppose the police's consideration of introducing stun guns and net guns, warning that it could lead to fatal consequences.
Lo Yuk-kai, secretary of the human rights group Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, pointed out, "The police already have sufficient arrest tools and do not need to introduce new equipment," adding, "The use of stun guns could be fatal for people suffering from chronic heart conditions."
Meanwhile, alongside strengthening public security, the Hong Kong government is rolling out large-scale support measures for the elderly and low-income groups ahead of the Legislative Council election (general election) scheduled for September. Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, announced ten welfare support measures with an annual budget of 10 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately 1.5 trillion Korean won).
Support for living allowances for the elderly will be expanded, and the age eligibility for public transportation discounts will be lowered from 65 to 60 years old. Housing subsidies will be provided to those who have waited more than three years to enter affordable public rental housing, and low-income individuals who are unemployed or jobless will receive unemployment benefits for up to three months.
Chief Executive Lam stated, "These support measures are not intended to appease protesters or support pro-China factions," and added, "More than one million people will benefit from these measures."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
