WATCH: Benedict Rogers on Al Jazeera urging all sides to stop violence and calling on the government to address protestor's concerns

Benedict Rogers, Chairman and co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, joined two other guests on the Inside Story programme of Al Jazeera, sharing his views on the standoff at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the passage of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the US and why the international community has the responsibility to stand up for Hong Kong.

Ben emphasised that he does not condone any violent acts carried out by the protestors, but he viewed that the current situation is fuelled by police brutality and the totally disproportionate use of force by the Hong Kong Police Force. The escalation could have been avoided if Carrie Lam did not mishandle the situation when opportunities arose previously and she should be held responsible for how the protests have turned out now. He urged the protestors to allow the upcoming District Council Election to take place and to continue protest peacefully.

On China’s response to the US Human Rights Bill, Ben commented that it was completely absurd to suggest that the protest is orchestrated or influenced by outside powers as all protestors are Hongkongers and the protests came from their own initiatives. The UK has the moral and legal responsibility to monitor and speak out for Hong Kong in defence of the promises made to Hong Kong while the international community has the responsibility to stand up for universal human rights.

When asked about how this will end, Ben said that it should end with the government addressing the protestors’ concern.

Watch the full programme below: