Hong Kong in near shutdown as city reels

HONG Kong went into near shutdown as businesses closed and rail services were suspended after another night of violence and vandalism by prodemocracy protesters.

Violent protests erupted across the special administrative region hours after the city’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam ChengYuet-ngor invoked Emergency Regulations Ordinance to implement the anti-mask law to curb violence on Friday.

The city’s sole rail operator said on Saturday that the entire metro system except for the Airport Express Line would be suspended for the day after a night of “vandalism” and “arson”.

Most travellers had to make their way to the airport by car or taxi on Saturday morning when all rail services were suspended, causing traffic congestion in the final mile of the journey. The airport rail services resumed at 2:30pm later in the day.

In a statement issued early on Saturday morning, the MTR said safety came first for its maintenance staff when they travel to various stations to carry out repair works.

It also denounced the irrepressible and illegal acts of protesters who are said to have attacked its staff.

Meanwhile, the government said bus services might be diverted due to road conditions after more than 100 sets of traffic lights were damaged or tampered with on Friday night.

Anti-government demonstrations began in June when protesters staged rallies to voice opposition to the now-withdrawn extradition bill. The protests have turned violent and at times descended into chaos even after the formal withdrawal of the bill in September.

On Friday, the government announced the introduction of the anti-mask law in a bid to quell violence.

Protesters have adopted Guy Fawkes masks in an attempt to obscure their identities and protect themselves from police attacks.

The masks, popularised by the Hollywood film V for Vendetta, have been used as symbols during anti-authority protests.

The law bans the wearing of facial coverings during a public meeting, public procession or illegal assembly. Offenders shall be liable to a maximum of one year’s imprisonment and a fine of 25,000 Hong Kong dollars ($3,300).

Late on Friday, after listening to arguments for two hours, the High Court decided against granting a temporary suspension of the anti-mask law after protesters brought an injunction application. The ban came into effect at midnight.

A plainclothes police officer f ired one shot in self-defence in t he cit y’s Yuen Long area on Friday night after he was attacked by a large group of masked radica ls. Two gasoline bombs were t hrow n at him during the attack and he was brief ly on f ire.

The Hong Kong government severely condemned these violent acts, saying the rioters had completely disregarded human life, according to a statement issued early Saturday morning.

A total of 31 people were sent to the hospital on Friday night, the Hospital Authority said, adding that two are in serious condition.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Hong Kong Formula E-Prix has been cancelled amid continuing street protests in the city. The round originally scheduled for Hong Kong will be replaced by Marrakesh, Morocco, according to the organiser.

Apart from public transport services, many public facilities, banks, shopping malls and chain stores were also shut on Saturday.

Bank customers were advised to use online banking or ATM services as far as possible, and check bank branches service status before visiting.

Nearly every bank in the city was closed.

The Labour Department on Saturday urged employers to make flexible work arrangements for staff due to the suspension of some public transport.

The Customs and Excise Department announced that due to public activities, the written examination (Part II) of Customs Inspector Recruitment scheduled on Saturday will be postponed.

Supermarket chain Parknshop shut all stores across Hong Kong on Saturday due to safety and logistic concerns. Health care and beauty care chain store Watsons also closed all shops, except the airport branch, for the day. Supermarket chain Wellcome a n d c o n v e n i e n c e s t o r e s 7-Eleven said shops would be closed from 5pm.

Hong Kong Disneyland delayed its opening time to 1pm.