'Rioters' Making Life Hard For Disabled People: Govt

The government said on Wednesday that Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters are making life difficult for disabled people in the SAR, as access to various buildings remains reduced due to security measures rolled out in response to "the violent acts of rioters".

Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung brought the issue up in Legco, saying the large number of water barriers around government buildings and on certain footpaths are causing problems for people in wheelchairs and those with visual impairments.

He said some lifts and tactile paths are obstructed and some passageways through the barriers are too narrow for wheelchairs to fit through.

Cheung asked Security Secretary John Lee whether when implementing extra security measures, the police have any guidelines to follow to reduce the impact on disabled people.

In response, Lee said the government does strive to provide a barrier-free environment, but if legislative councillors truly care about people with disabilities they should condemn the "rioters that destroy facilities" in the city.

"These violent acts of vandalism of the rioters have severely affected the daily lives and access of people from all walks of life, including persons with disabilities, causing inconvenience and danger," Lee said.

"If there's no violence, then there's no need for additional security facilities."

After the council meeting, Cheung said he understands the requirement for security measures, but this doesn't have to come into conflict with the need for people with disabilities to be able to get around the city.

"I think the minister is taking it too far. In his logic, if someone violates the law, then the police have limitless power to inhibit accessibility. That doesn't make sense. We always have to balance things," he told RTHK's Candice Wong.