'Youngsters Can't Escape Punishment Because Of Age'

The Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng has rebuffed calls that young offenders charged over activities related to anti-government protests should only be cautioned or bound over, saying this was misleading and said that "prosecutors must not withdraw charges unjustifiably under the pretext of public interest".

Writing in her official blog, Cheng said it was “very troubling” to see youngsters involved in the turmoil.

She warned children and students against being misled into thinking they could be let off lightly for taking part in unlawful activities and violence stemming from the past year's social unrest.

She said this puts their own and others safety at risk and the resulting criminal convictions would also affect their future.

Cheng said people should be aware that they have to bear the legal consequences of law-breaking behaviour.

The justice secretary said her department would "carefully examine the circumstances of each case in an objective manner and strictly in accordance with the established principles".

"A decision cannot be made solely based on the age of the offenders," she wrote.

The secretary wrote she hopes 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".