Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, secretary for justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Saturday called on youngsters to stay away from violence and not to make mistakes that might ruin their lives in the future.
"Some of the youngsters might have been mistakenly led to believe that use of violence should be considered as a means to achieve their aspirations. However, I hope that they appreciate that law-breaking behavior would always have legal consequences," Cheng said in an article published on her official blog.
According to police figures, among the 8,001 people who were arrested from June 2019 to mid-April this year for their involvement in the unrest, 3,286 persons, or about 41 percent, are students.
Cheng said it is very troubling to see from the media reports that underage children or students are taking part in unlawful activities and even getting involved in violence.
"In doing so, they would not only put their own and others' safety at risk, but could also be arrested and prosecuted resulting in criminal records upon convictions. Their future in education and employment would inevitably be affected."
On comments that prosecutions against young offenders should be withdrawn on the basis of public interest, Cheng said that the Department of Justice must strictly make prosecutorial decisions in accordance with admissible evidence, applicable laws and the Prosecution Code.
"Prosecutors should follow the above principles in making their decisions and must not withdraw charges unjustifiably under the pretext of public interest," she said.
The secretary of justice said every member of the public must be aware that one has to bear the legal responsibility resulting from law-breaking behavior.
"I sincerely hope that every one, in particular the youngsters, should exercise their independent thinking and judgement, and, more importantly, stay away from violence and not commit mistakes that might ruin their lives in the future," she said. Enditem
