Mahatma Gandhi, father of the largest civil disobedience movement in modern history, must be turning in his grave.

The "occupiers" are not the only ones that wantonly trampled over other people's rights. Some "pan-democrat" lawmakers, who are obligated to unconditionally serve public interests, also joined the brazen adulterating of the concept of civil disobedience by offering their offices in the Legislative Council building for use by the protesters. It is common knowledge that LegCo members are public servants and have no right to use their offices, which are public property, for purposes not related to their jobs, not to mention the fact that the protesters are there expressly to make members of the public suffer. Is there any action more insulting to the spirit of civil disobedience than that?

The ongoing law-breaking of "Occupy Central" has taken the anti-democratic tyranny of the minority to a whole new level in Hong Kong. No matter when and how it is subdued eventually the people of Hong Kong will have to decide once and for all if they want to keep the rule of law effective, because such illegal campaigns are bound to happen again until public consensus is reached on banning them for good and trusting the Hong Kong Police Force to enforce such a law.

Although most of the students taking part in the above-mentioned illegal activities should be shown reasonable leniency and educated to become law-abiding citizens instead of arresting and prosecuting them according to relevant law, such destructive illegal movements, which cost Hong Kong huge economic losses, cannot be allowed to continue ruining the city.

The time has come for all Hong Kong residents to decide if they want to live their lives peacefully and free of political abuse by reinforcing the rule of law or submitting their dignity and well-being to the selfish whims of political opportunists grabbing power at the expense of public interests by means of mob politics.

For true democracy, peace and prosperity, social stability must be maintained through the rule of law first. That requires all members of Hong Kong society abide by the law and allow the judicial and law enforcement departments to do their jobs without any interference.

The author is a veteran journalist based in Hong Kong.