Hong Kong mask ban sparks violent clashes, rail shutdown
HONG KONG, Oct 5 (AFP) - Hong Kong's mass transit rail system was suspended and dozens of banks and major shopping malls closed on Saturday after a ban on pro-democracy protesters wearing masks came into effect, sparking widespread anger and violent clashes.
The ban, imposed under emergency powers not used in more than half a century, was aimed at quelling nearly four months of unrest.
But instead it triggered another wave of mass protests and vows of defiance, with a 14- year- old boy reportedly shot and wounded.
Spontaneous rallies broke out across Hong Kong after Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the emergency law on Friday, with large crowds of office workers blocking roads in the heart of the Central commercial district.
Across the city demonstrators later vandalised subway stations, started street fires and trashed businesses with mainland China ties as police fired tear gas in multiple locations.
“The government doesn't listen to us. So we are upping our game,” said 32-year-old protester Nathalie, as hardcore demonstrators trashed the MTR station in the previously calm neighbourhood of Tseung Kwan O.
In the northern district of Yuen Long, a police officer opened fire when he was surrounded in his car and attacked by protesters, a petrol bomb exploding at his feet.
Police said the officer fired one round from his gun in self defence.
A teenage boy was shot and wounded in the same district, the South China Morning Post reported, citing a medical source. Police did not comment on whether the teenager was shot by the officer.
The entire subway network -- which carries some four million passengers a day -was suspended, leaving protesters, locals and Friday night revellers stranded.
As the city awoke on Saturday, the rail network remained out of action -- including the crucial airport line -- with the rail operator saying it would assess damage to stations before deciding when to reopen.
Shopping malls were closed, supermarket chains said they would not open and many mainland Chinese banks, which were targeted in Friday night's violence, stayed shuttered, their facades sprayed with graffiti.
In some locations, long lines formed at supermarkets as residents stocked up, fearing further clashes.
Police sent text messages urging the public to avoid protests over the three day weekend.