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are facing a form of "double jeopardy" and will probably not be slow to bring out the point that any persons subsequently aquitted by the Court have already been punished for what is assumed to be the same offence.
8.
The three Associations are likely to condemn the action taken and offer the Yaumatei group considerable moral support but they will almost certainly oppose. any unlawful reaction. However, in the event that the Force is required to play an active role in restraining or arresting the militants the loyalty of many officers throughout the Force could be severely strained and morale deeply affected.
Other Organisations
10.
Other organisations, such as pressure groups, legal organisations and Government staff unions and associations are likely to be opposed .to the use of CR55 in dealing with allegedly corrupt Police officers for
a variety of reasons. Pressure groups which are already critical of Government for, inter alia, its lack of democracy may allege that "Police state tactics" are being used; Mrs. Elsie Elliott will no doubt again claim that the small fry are being persecuted while the big fish get away; legal groups will probably question the equity of such action, and Government staff organisations will no doubt recognise the potential threat to their own members.
The public and news media
11.
Although there is public concern about corruption and efforts by the ICAC to combat corruption have received much favourable news coverage in the past, the Yaumatei group appears to have drawn some sympathy recently. The attitude of many sectors of the community may well change more in their favour if the Yaumatei group can project the image that they are the underdogs suffering from the unfair action of "tyrannical" Government. The media is likely to play up their grievances for their newsworthiness and, although it will probably qualify its comment with reservations about the need to eliminate corruption, will almost certainly condemn the use of CR55 and give the "aggrieved" officer some sympathetic coverage. However, the view that corrupt officers are being retired with a pension will no doubt persuade some commentators to say that the corrupt are again (after Wong Tai Sin) being let off lightly.
12.
It is also worth noting at this point that whilst public opinion and media comment can be an influential factor in determining the policie and actions of various community groups, they are unlikely to be given much recognition by the Yaumatei group in formulating its initial reactio
Mas
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KILA KITARRE
../Conclusions