&nbsp;A&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;activist&nbsp;jailed for six years for rioting in 2016 appeared in court on Wednesday to appeal&nbsp;against&nbsp;his&nbsp;sentence, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353">anti-government&nbsp;protests</a> showed no signs of abating despite new emergency laws and widespread arrests.

Edward Leung, 27, one of the leaders of a movement advocating independence from China, and two other&nbsp;activists received the harshest&nbsp;sentences handed down to&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;leaders since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hundreds of Leung's supporters gathered outside the city's High Court and packed his courtroom on Wednesday, many wearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-continues-to-defy-face-mask-ban-254131">black masks in defiance of a ban</a> on face masks invoked by authorities on Friday under colonial-era emergency laws.

Leung's hearing could become the latest flashpoint for anti-government&nbsp;protesters who have staged four months of demonstrations, some massive and violent,&nbsp;against&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam's administration.

Lam did not rule out asking Beijing for help in remarks on Tuesday as the Asian financial hub struggles to deal with&nbsp;protests that are damaging its economy.

More&nbsp;protests are expected on Wednesday and the coming week.

The former British colony is still recovering after a long weekend of violent&nbsp;protests that brought the city to a virtual standstill, with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-reopens-most-metro-stations-shops-after-weekend-protests-254571">unprecedented closure of its metro </a>rail system, shops, ATMs, and mainland China banks.

What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has grown into a&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;movement&nbsp;against&nbsp;what is seen as Beijing's tightening grip on the city, which&nbsp;protesters say undermines a "one country, two systems" formula&nbsp;promised when&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;returned to Chinese rule.

China dismisses such accusations, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment.

The&nbsp;protests pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012 and are&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's worst political crisis since the 1997 handover.

The city's metro operator MTR Corp, which carries about 5 million passengers a day, said on Wednesday some stations would remain closed due to damage and it would be shutting services early again at 8 p.m. (1200 GMT),&nbsp;more&nbsp;than four hours earlier than normal.

The closure of some stations on Wednesday resulted in massive queues of people waiting for shuttle buses during the morning rush hour, with some people choosing to walk kilometres to the nearest station.

MTR Corp was forced to shut down after arson attacks on Friday night, an unprecedented move that largely paralysed transportation. There were only partial operations during the weekend and limited services through the start of the week.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's economy has been hit hard by the&nbsp;protests, with many businesses and stores repeatedly closing as the Asian financial hub faces its first recession in a decade.

Lam warned on Tuesday the city's businesses faced "a severe winter season", while a police spokesman said&nbsp;more&nbsp;than 200 shops and public utilities had been damaged since Friday's violent clashes.

More&nbsp;than 100 restaurants have closed over the past month, putting around 2,000 people out of work, a representative from an association of catering&nbsp;professionals told public broadcaster RTHK on Wednesday.

Authorities have described&nbsp;protesters as "militant&nbsp;activists" but many&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents are also angry at the emergency powers, fearing their civil rights could be eroded.

More&nbsp;than 2,300 people have been arrested since June, while two teenagers have been shot and wounded in skirmishes with police. Scores of people, including police, have been injured.

The political sensitivities involved have been highlighted by a growing row after an executive of the U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Houston Rockets backed the&nbsp;protests.

One-time U.S. presidential candidate and former First Lady Hillary Clinton and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/despite-consequences-nba-boss-defends-values-in-china-row-254649">NBA Commissioner Adam Silver</a> both weighed in to the controversy, drawing the ire of Chinese state media.

Clinton said on her official Twitter account on Wednesday: "Every American has the right to voice their support for&nbsp;democracy&nbsp;and human rights for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong. Full stop."

Silver spoke up for freedom of speech, saying it was not up to the NBA to regulate what players, employees and team owners said. Chinese state media responded on Wednesday by accusing the NBA of endorsing violence and peddling a "secessionist pipe dream".

In a separate case, a top online gamer from&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;who showed support for the&nbsp;protests was removed from an international tournament he won, forcing him to forgo prize money that media reports put at $10,000.

Blizzard Entertainment, via their brand Hearthstone, said the gamer identified as "Blitzchung" had violated rules and would not be allowed to play in any Hearthstone esports games for the next 12 months.

A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist jailed for six years for rioting in 2016 appeared in court on Wednesday to appeal against his sentence, as anti-government protests showed no signs of abating despite new emergency laws and widespread arrests.

A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist jailed for six years for rioting in 2016 appeared in court on Wednesday to appeal against his sentence, as anti-government protests showed no signs of abating despite new emergency laws and widespread arrests. Edward Leung, 27, one of the leaders of a movement advocating independence from China, and two other activists received the harshest sentences handed down to pro-democracy leaders since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Hundreds of Leung's supporters gathered outside the city's High Court and packed his courtroom on Wednesday, many wearing black masks in defiance of a ban on face masks invoked by authorities on Friday under colonial-era emergency laws. Leung's hearing could become the latest flashpoint for anti-government protesters who have staged four months of demonstrations, some massive and violent, against leader Carrie Lam's administration. Lam did not rule out asking Beijing for help in remarks on Tuesday as the Asian financial hub struggles to deal with protests that are damaging its economy. More protests are expected on Wednesday and the coming week. The former British colony is still recovering after a long weekend of violent protests that brought the city to a virtual standstill, with the unprecedented closure of its metro rail system, shops, ATMs, and mainland China banks. What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has grown into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's tightening grip on the city, which protesters say undermines a "one country, two systems" formula promised when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule. China dismisses such accusations, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment. The protests pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012 and are Hong Kong's worst political crisis since the 1997 handover. The city's metro operator MTR Corp, which carries about 5 million passengers a day, said on Wednesday some stations would remain closed due to damage and it would be shutting services early again at 8 p.m. (1200 GMT), more than four hours earlier than normal. The closure of some stations on Wednesday resulted in massive queues of people waiting for shuttle buses during the morning rush hour, with some people choosing to walk kilometres to the nearest station. MTR Corp was forced to shut down after arson attacks on Friday night, an unprecedented move that largely paralysed transportation. There were only partial operations during the weekend and limited services through the start of the week. Hong Kong's economy has been hit hard by the protests, with many businesses and stores repeatedly closing as the Asian financial hub faces its first recession in a decade. Lam warned on Tuesday the city's businesses faced "a severe winter season", while a police spokesman said more than 200 shops and public utilities had been damaged since Friday's violent clashes. More than 100 restaurants have closed over the past month, putting around 2,000 people out of work, a representative from an association of catering professionals told public broadcaster RTHK on Wednesday. Authorities have described protesters as "militant activists" but many Hong Kong residents are also angry at the emergency powers, fearing their civil rights could be eroded. More than 2,300 people have been arrested since June, while two teenagers have been shot and wounded in skirmishes with police. Scores of people, including police, have been injured. The political sensitivities involved have been highlighted by a growing row after an executive of the U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Houston Rockets backed the protests. One-time U.S. presidential candidate and former First Lady Hillary Clinton and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver both weighed in to the controversy, drawing the ire of Chinese state media. Clinton said on her official Twitter account on Wednesday: "Every American has the right to voice their support for democracy and human rights for Hong Kong. Full stop." Silver spoke up for freedom of speech, saying it was not up to the NBA to regulate what players, employees and team owners said. Chinese state media responded on Wednesday by accusing the NBA of endorsing violence and peddling a "secessionist pipe dream". In a separate case, a top online gamer from Hong Kong who showed support for the protests was removed from an international tournament he won, forcing him to forgo prize money that media reports put at $10,000. Blizzard Entertainment, via their brand Hearthstone, said the gamer identified as "Blitzchung" had violated rules and would not be allowed to play in any Hearthstone esports games for the next 12 months.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist appeals against sentence as more protests loom

Tiffany &amp; Co. have removed a tweet showing a woman covering one eye after Chinese consumers accused the jeweller of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-wont-rule-out-chinese-help-over-protests-leader-carrie-lam-254393">supporting the Hong Kong protesters</a>.

The photo posted on Monday showed Chinese model Sun Feifei wearing a Tiffany ring on her right hand as it covers her right eye.

Angry Chinese buyers believed it was a deliberate echo of the pose adopted by<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-metro-still-partially-functioning-hong-kong-opens-for-business-after-violent-clashes-254366"> Hong Kong's pro-democracy demonstrators</a> to denounce police violence in the semi-autonomous city.

Hong Kong protesters -- who have rallied for months against Beijing's authoritarianism -- adopted the pose obscuring one eye after the first of two women received eye injuries during violent clashes with police.

But Tiffany's spokesman said the image was created in May -- before the protests erupted -- and "in no way intended to be a political statement of any kind".

"We regret that it may be perceived as such, and in turn have removed the image from our digital and social media channels and will discontinue its use effective immediately."

The campaign also included model Carolyn Murphy covering her right eye with one of Tiffany's distinctive blue jewellery boxes.&nbsp;

Chinese consumers said the brand had been inconsiderate in posting the photos during a sensitive time.

"I used to be your hardcore fan, but now I'm a Chinese first and foremost. I love my country and I won't allow her to receive any defamation or violation," one person posted on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo.

"Whoever buys their products is blind," another post read.

Tiffany's CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said in August that continuous business disruptions in Hong Kong had impacted the company, estimating six full selling days were lost due to unplanned store closures during the second quarter of this year.

Bogliolo said the city was the brand's fourth-largest market by sales -- after the US, Japan and mainland China.

New York-based Tiffany opened its largest-ever product exhibition in Shanghai in September, a move it hoped would attract young Chinese customers.

The company's sales grew more than 25 per cent in mainland China between March and June -- a stark contrast to a three-per cent drop in the company's global turnover in the same period.

Tiffany has 35 shops in mainland China and plans to open branches of its Blue Box Cafe in Hong Kong and Shanghai.&nbsp;

Tiffany & Co. have removed a tweet showing a woman covering one eye after Chinese consumers accused the jeweller of supporting the Hong Kong protesters. The photo posted on Monday showed Chinese model Sun Feifei wearing a Tiffany ring on her right hand as it covers her right eye.

Tiffany & Co. have removed a tweet showing a woman covering one eye after Chinese consumers accused the jeweller of supporting the Hong Kong protesters. The photo posted on Monday showed Chinese model Sun Feifei wearing a Tiffany ring on her right hand as it covers her right eye. Angry Chinese buyers believed it was a deliberate echo of the pose adopted by Hong Kong's pro-democracy demonstrators to denounce police violence in the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong protesters -- who have rallied for months against Beijing's authoritarianism -- adopted the pose obscuring one eye after the first of two women received eye injuries during violent clashes with police. But Tiffany's spokesman said the image was created in May -- before the protests erupted -- and "in no way intended to be a political statement of any kind". "We regret that it may be perceived as such, and in turn have removed the image from our digital and social media channels and will discontinue its use effective immediately." The campaign also included model Carolyn Murphy covering her right eye with one of Tiffany's distinctive blue jewellery boxes. Chinese consumers said the brand had been inconsiderate in posting the photos during a sensitive time. "I used to be your hardcore fan, but now I'm a Chinese first and foremost. I love my country and I won't allow her to receive any defamation or violation," one person posted on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo. "Whoever buys their products is blind," another post read. Tiffany's CEO Alessandro Bogliolo said in August that continuous business disruptions in Hong Kong had impacted the company, estimating six full selling days were lost due to unplanned store closures during the second quarter of this year. Bogliolo said the city was the brand's fourth-largest market by sales -- after the US, Japan and mainland China. New York-based Tiffany opened its largest-ever product exhibition in Shanghai in September, a move it hoped would attract young Chinese customers. The company's sales grew more than 25 per cent in mainland China between March and June -- a stark contrast to a three-per cent drop in the company's global turnover in the same period. Tiffany has 35 shops in mainland China and plans to open branches of its Blue Box Cafe in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Tiffany removes advert over Hong Kong controversy

There’s a deja vu feeling to this year’s wave of protests across the Arab world.

It’s not that this year saw the toppling of the leaders of Algeria and Sudan as a result of popular revolts, a harking back to the 2011 protests that overthrew the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

It’s that it’s the protesters in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco rather than illiberal or autocratic regimes that have learnt the lessons of 2011.

Had illiberal and autocratic leaders learnt the lessons, they would not have been taken again by surprise by mass protests, often sparked by a black swan.

Lessons learnt would have meant putting their ear to the ground, hearing the groundswell of anger and frustration boiling at the surface over lack of economic opportunity and basic services, widespread corruption that benefits the few and complicates life for the many, and a clamouring for the ability to vent those grievances.

Lessons learnt would have meant addressing those concerns before its too late and spill into the streets in massive votes of no-confidence against&nbsp;the political and economic system and its leaders.

It’s a lesson that is valid beyond the Arab world with similar protests, like in 2011, erupting across the globe in countries such as Hong Kong, Russia, Peru, Haiti, Ecuador, Indonesia, and world-wide climate change-related demonstrations.

For their part, demonstrators in Algeria and Sudan concluded from the 2011 protests that toppling a leader was the beginning not the end of the process.

In Algeria, protesters remain in the streets six months after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down, battling the army for a political process that will guarantee structural change rather than enable an electoral process that ensures that the military and its aligned business interests remain the power behind the throne.

Sudanese demonstrators surrendered the street only after an agreement had been reached with the military on a three-year-long transition towards the civilian rule.

The Sudanese and Algerian experiences, like the lessons to be learnt from the 2011 revolts, suggest that the playing field in the wake of the fall of an autocrat is striking a balance between protesters’ demands for fundamental change and the determination of elites and the military to preserve their economic interests, some degree of control of security and safeguards against being held accountable for past abuse.

What demonstrators have going for them, beyond the power of the street, is the fact that popular discontent is not the only thing that mitigates against the maintenance of the pre-protest status quo.

Countries across the Middle East and North Africa, characterised by youth bulges, can no longer evade economic reform that addresses widespread youth unemployment, the need to create large numbers of jobs, and inevitable diversification and streamlining of bloated government bureaucracies.

Algeria is a case in point. Foreign exchange reserves have dropped from $193.6 billion in 2014 to $72 billion in 2019. Reserves cover 13 months of imports at best in a country that imports 70 per cent of what it consumes,

“If the state can no longer deliver goods and services, socio-economic discontent will rise further…. In order to avoid such a situation… the state and its citizens will have to renegotiate their relationship. In the past the state provided, and Algerians abided. This is no longer economically feasible today, nor is it what Algerians appear to want as they seek more transparency, less corruption, and better governance of Algeria’s resources,” said Algeria scholar Dalia Ghanem.

Attention in the past years since the 2011 popular Arab revolts have focussed on the consequences of the Saudi-UAE led counterrevolution that brutally rolled back protesters achievements in Egypt and contributed to the Iranian-backed military campaign of Houthi rebels in Yemen and the devastating subsequent military intervention in that country as well as civil wars in Syria and Libya.

Yet, the past eight years have also been characterised by issues-oriented protests that often involved new, creative forms of expression of discontent.

Iraq, Algeria and Sudan rather than Egypt contain lessons for the future.

Egypt’s field marshal-turned-president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi may have squashed recent protests with mass arrests and security force violence, but his conspiratorial depictions of a plot engineered by the repressed and weakened Muslim Brotherhood are unlikely to dampen widespread discontent with his failed economic policies that have benefited the elite and impoverished many.

Al-Sisi may have ended the protests for now, but continued refusal to address grievances makes Egypt an accident waiting to happen.

The demography of protesters in Iraq proves the point. The protests could have been avoided had the Iraqi government focused on tackling corruption, ensuring the delivery of basic services, and creating jobs for university graduates and opportunities for those who returned from defeating the Islamic State to find that they were deprived of opportunities.

One lesson of the protests in Iraq and Hong Kong is the fact that repressive government responses, the killing of more than 100 demonstrators in Iraq or the banning of face masks in Hong Kong, fuel rather than calm public anger.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

There’s a deja vu feeling to this year’s wave of protests across the Arab world. It’s not that this year saw the toppling of the leaders of Algeria and Sudan as a result of popular revolts, a harking back to the 2011 protests that overthrew the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

There’s a deja vu feeling to this year’s wave of protests across the Arab world. It’s not that this year saw the toppling of the leaders of Algeria and Sudan as a result of popular revolts, a harking back to the 2011 protests that overthrew the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen. It’s that it’s the protesters in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco rather than illiberal or autocratic regimes that have learnt the lessons of 2011. Had illiberal and autocratic leaders learnt the lessons, they would not have been taken again by surprise by mass protests, often sparked by a black swan. Lessons learnt would have meant putting their ear to the ground, hearing the groundswell of anger and frustration boiling at the surface over lack of economic opportunity and basic services, widespread corruption that benefits the few and complicates life for the many, and a clamouring for the ability to vent those grievances. Lessons learnt would have meant addressing those concerns before its too late and spill into the streets in massive votes of no-confidence against the political and economic system and its leaders. It’s a lesson that is valid beyond the Arab world with similar protests, like in 2011, erupting across the globe in countries such as Hong Kong, Russia, Peru, Haiti, Ecuador, Indonesia, and world-wide climate change-related demonstrations. For their part, demonstrators in Algeria and Sudan concluded from the 2011 protests that toppling a leader was the beginning not the end of the process. In Algeria, protesters remain in the streets six months after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down, battling the army for a political process that will guarantee structural change rather than enable an electoral process that ensures that the military and its aligned business interests remain the power behind the throne. Sudanese demonstrators surrendered the street only after an agreement had been reached with the military on a three-year-long transition towards the civilian rule. The Sudanese and Algerian experiences, like the lessons to be learnt from the 2011 revolts, suggest that the playing field in the wake of the fall of an autocrat is striking a balance between protesters’ demands for fundamental change and the determination of elites and the military to preserve their economic interests, some degree of control of security and safeguards against being held accountable for past abuse. What demonstrators have going for them, beyond the power of the street, is the fact that popular discontent is not the only thing that mitigates against the maintenance of the pre-protest status quo. Countries across the Middle East and North Africa, characterised by youth bulges, can no longer evade economic reform that addresses widespread youth unemployment, the need to create large numbers of jobs, and inevitable diversification and streamlining of bloated government bureaucracies. Algeria is a case in point. Foreign exchange reserves have dropped from $193.6 billion in 2014 to $72 billion in 2019. Reserves cover 13 months of imports at best in a country that imports 70 per cent of what it consumes, “If the state can no longer deliver goods and services, socio-economic discontent will rise further…. In order to avoid such a situation… the state and its citizens will have to renegotiate their relationship. In the past the state provided, and Algerians abided. This is no longer economically feasible today, nor is it what Algerians appear to want as they seek more transparency, less corruption, and better governance of Algeria’s resources,” said Algeria scholar Dalia Ghanem. Attention in the past years since the 2011 popular Arab revolts have focussed on the consequences of the Saudi-UAE led counterrevolution that brutally rolled back protesters achievements in Egypt and contributed to the Iranian-backed military campaign of Houthi rebels in Yemen and the devastating subsequent military intervention in that country as well as civil wars in Syria and Libya. Yet, the past eight years have also been characterised by issues-oriented protests that often involved new, creative forms of expression of discontent. Iraq, Algeria and Sudan rather than Egypt contain lessons for the future. Egypt’s field marshal-turned-president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi may have squashed recent protests with mass arrests and security force violence, but his conspiratorial depictions of a plot engineered by the repressed and weakened Muslim Brotherhood are unlikely to dampen widespread discontent with his failed economic policies that have benefited the elite and impoverished many. Al-Sisi may have ended the protests for now, but continued refusal to address grievances makes Egypt an accident waiting to happen. The demography of protesters in Iraq proves the point. The protests could have been avoided had the Iraqi government focused on tackling corruption, ensuring the delivery of basic services, and creating jobs for university graduates and opportunities for those who returned from defeating the Islamic State to find that they were deprived of opportunities. One lesson of the protests in Iraq and Hong Kong is the fact that repressive government responses, the killing of more than 100 demonstrators in Iraq or the banning of face masks in Hong Kong, fuel rather than calm public anger. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Learning lessons: Protesters stay one step ahead of rulers

Hong Kong's under-fire leader Carrie Lam said Tuesday she would not rule out accepting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bear-consequences-for-your-actions-chinese-soldiers-issues-warning-to-hong-kong-protesters-254129">help from mainland China</a> in tackling increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;

The financial hub has been gripped by four months of rallies, and last weekend saw much of the city grind to a halt as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-soldiers-in-hong-kong-warn-protesters-as-emergency-rules-fail-to-quell-unrest-254107">masked demonstrators took to the streets in defiance of a controversial ban</a> on face coverings.

Lam's decision last Friday to invoke colonial-era emergency powers -- not used for half a century -- to impose the ban sparked some of the most violent scenes since the crisis began, as hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations, vandalised shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked roads.

As much of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-metro-still-partially-functioning-hong-kong-opens-for-business-after-violent-clashes-254366"> city returned to work after a three-day weekend</a>, Lam told reporters that while she believes the city's authorities can cope with the unprecedented troubles, China could be called upon if the situation becomes "so bad".

"At this point in time, I still strongly feel that we should find the solutions ourselves. It is also the position of the central government (in Beijing) that Hong Kong should tackle the problem on her own.

"But if the situation becomes so bad, then no options can be ruled out if we want Hong Kong to at least have another chance."

Watch: Hong Kong - protesters continues to defy face mask ban

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-continues-to-defy-face-mask-ban-254131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mask ban backlash

Lam has faced widespread criticism over her decision to ban face masks -- ubiquitous in Hong Kong since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003 -- and thousands of Hong Kongers flouted the prohibition during an unsanctioned mass march on Sunday.

So far two people -- a male university student and a 38-year-old woman -- have been charged with illegally wearing masks, and supporters wore their own face coverings during a court appearance on Monday.&nbsp;

The two were charged with unlawful assembly, which carries up to three years' jail time, and with defying the mask ban, which has a maximum one-year sentence. Both were released on bail.

Lam told journalists it was "too early" to say whether the anti-mask law was effective or not.&nbsp;

"I'm sure you'll agree that for any new policy or new legislation, it will take time to be effectively implemented," she said.

Lam also would not be drawn on a suggestion by one of her cabinet members, the veteran pro-Beijing politician Ip Kwok-him, that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-cabinet-member-floats-internet-curbs-to-contain-unrest-254254">Hong Kong may curb access to the internet</a> in a bid to contain the protests.

The leader insisted she was "very committed" to using political, legal and policy instruments, including dialogue, to address some of the "deep-seated problems" in the city.&nbsp;

Thirteen of the city's subway stations remained closed on Tuesday following the widespread vandalism and the operator said the entire network would close at 8pm (1200 GMT).&nbsp;

According to Hospital Authority figures, ten of the 13 people admitted to hospital over the weekend were in a stable condition on Tuesday while three had been discharged.

'Humane solution'

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged a "humane solution" in Hong Kong but noted that the crowds protesting against Chinese authorities were smaller than before.

"We just want to see a humane solution," Trump said in comments to reporters. "I think they have to do that in a peaceful manner."

He remarked on the "great people over there" and said, "they're flying the American flag."

But Trump avoided expressing support for the protesters' unprecedented show of defiance against Chinese communist rule and questioned whether they were losing steam.

At the start, "I saw two million people. I've never seen anything like it," Trump said. "The crowd size is much smaller now, so maybe that's saying something."

&nbsp;

Hong Kong's under-fire leader Carrie Lam said Tuesday she would not rule out accepting help from mainland China in tackling increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

Hong Kong's under-fire leader Carrie Lam said Tuesday she would not rule out accepting help from mainland China in tackling increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. The financial hub has been gripped by four months of rallies, and last weekend saw much of the city grind to a halt as masked demonstrators took to the streets in defiance of a controversial ban on face coverings. Lam's decision last Friday to invoke colonial-era emergency powers -- not used for half a century -- to impose the ban sparked some of the most violent scenes since the crisis began, as hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations, vandalised shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked roads. As much of the city returned to work after a three-day weekend, Lam told reporters that while she believes the city's authorities can cope with the unprecedented troubles, China could be called upon if the situation becomes "so bad". "At this point in time, I still strongly feel that we should find the solutions ourselves. It is also the position of the central government (in Beijing) that Hong Kong should tackle the problem on her own. "But if the situation becomes so bad, then no options can be ruled out if we want Hong Kong to at least have another chance." Watch: Hong Kong - protesters continues to defy face mask ban × Mask ban backlash Lam has faced widespread criticism over her decision to ban face masks -- ubiquitous in Hong Kong since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003 -- and thousands of Hong Kongers flouted the prohibition during an unsanctioned mass march on Sunday. So far two people -- a male university student and a 38-year-old woman -- have been charged with illegally wearing masks, and supporters wore their own face coverings during a court appearance on Monday. The two were charged with unlawful assembly, which carries up to three years' jail time, and with defying the mask ban, which has a maximum one-year sentence. Both were released on bail. Lam told journalists it was "too early" to say whether the anti-mask law was effective or not. "I'm sure you'll agree that for any new policy or new legislation, it will take time to be effectively implemented," she said. Lam also would not be drawn on a suggestion by one of her cabinet members, the veteran pro-Beijing politician Ip Kwok-him, that Hong Kong may curb access to the internet in a bid to contain the protests. The leader insisted she was "very committed" to using political, legal and policy instruments, including dialogue, to address some of the "deep-seated problems" in the city. Thirteen of the city's subway stations remained closed on Tuesday following the widespread vandalism and the operator said the entire network would close at 8pm (1200 GMT). According to Hospital Authority figures, ten of the 13 people admitted to hospital over the weekend were in a stable condition on Tuesday while three had been discharged. 'Humane solution' US President Donald Trump on Monday urged a "humane solution" in Hong Kong but noted that the crowds protesting against Chinese authorities were smaller than before. "We just want to see a humane solution," Trump said in comments to reporters. "I think they have to do that in a peaceful manner." He remarked on the "great people over there" and said, "they're flying the American flag." But Trump avoided expressing support for the protesters' unprecedented show of defiance against Chinese communist rule and questioned whether they were losing steam. At the start, "I saw two million people. I've never seen anything like it," Trump said. "The crowd size is much smaller now, so maybe that's saying something."

Hong Kong 'won't rule out' Chinese help over protests: Leader Carrie Lam

Xi Jinping Is Suffering A Crisis Of Confidence Trade war with the U.S., pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, economic slowdown, detention of Uighurs, this is the most challenging phase in Xi Jinping's political career. This report explains.

Gravitas: The Most Challenging Phase In Xi Jinping's Political Career

Hong Kong opened for business on Tuesday after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-cabinet-member-floats-internet-curbs-to-contain-unrest-254254">violent long weekend</a>, with its metro rail system only partially functioning and authorities warning residents they may have trouble commuting due to widespread vandalism of infrastructure.

The Chinese-ruled city braced for more demonstrations through the week and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nba-rockets-executive-says-hong-kong-tweet-not-meant-to-offend-254149">embattled leader Carrie Lam</a> was due to address the media at a weekly news conference on Tuesday morning after the most violent clashes in around four months of anti-government unrest.

The protests, which show no sign of abating, pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Two teenage protesters have been shot, one in the chest and the other in the leg, during skirmishes with police in some of the recent violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bear-consequences-for-your-actions-chinese-soldiers-issues-warning-to-hong-kong-protesters-254129">Hong Kong's metro</a>, which carries about 5 million passengers a day, said on Tuesday some stations would not open for service because damaged facilities needed to be repaired. Train service would also end at 8 pm (1200 GMT), more than four hours earlier than normal.

MTR Corp was forced to shut down in an unprecedented move after arson attacks on Friday night and only partially operated during the weekend, with protesters again setting stations ablaze and destroying ticketing machines. The closures largely paralysed transportation around much of the Asian financial hub.

The Hong Kong government said in a statement early on Tuesday "a large group of masked rioters repeatedly committed destructive acts extensively", including "dropping a bicycle from height" that hit and injured a police officer. Roads were also blocked in various districts, it said.

ATMs, Chinese banks and scores of shops were vandalised during violent protests over the long weekend, some of which drew tens of thousands of people. Many restaurants and malls closed early over what is typically a very busy holiday period.

That followed the decision by authorities to impose a ban on face masks, which protesters use to protect their identity, on Friday under colonial-era emergency powers.

Residents awoke on Tuesday to anti-police graffiti and streets littered with broken bricks and metal barricades from weekend clashes, during which police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon to subdue petrol bomb-throwing protesters.

The protests have plunged the former British colony into its worst political crisis in decades and are taking a growing toll on Hong Kong's economy, hitting its important tourism and retail sectors as it faces its first recession in a decade.

What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has grown into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, which protesters say undermines a "one country, two systems" formula promised when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

China dismisses such accusations, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment.

The ban on face masks inflamed protests and angered many Hong Kongers who fear a further erosion of their civil liberties.

Hong Kong opened for business on Tuesday after a violent long weekend, with its metro rail system only partially functioning and authorities warning residents they may have trouble commuting due to widespread vandalism of infrastructure.

Hong Kong opened for business on Tuesday after a violent long weekend, with its metro rail system only partially functioning and authorities warning residents they may have trouble commuting due to widespread vandalism of infrastructure. The Chinese-ruled city braced for more demonstrations through the week and embattled leader Carrie Lam was due to address the media at a weekly news conference on Tuesday morning after the most violent clashes in around four months of anti-government unrest. The protests, which show no sign of abating, pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Two teenage protesters have been shot, one in the chest and the other in the leg, during skirmishes with police in some of the recent violence. Hong Kong's metro, which carries about 5 million passengers a day, said on Tuesday some stations would not open for service because damaged facilities needed to be repaired. Train service would also end at 8 pm (1200 GMT), more than four hours earlier than normal. MTR Corp was forced to shut down in an unprecedented move after arson attacks on Friday night and only partially operated during the weekend, with protesters again setting stations ablaze and destroying ticketing machines. The closures largely paralysed transportation around much of the Asian financial hub. The Hong Kong government said in a statement early on Tuesday "a large group of masked rioters repeatedly committed destructive acts extensively", including "dropping a bicycle from height" that hit and injured a police officer. Roads were also blocked in various districts, it said. ATMs, Chinese banks and scores of shops were vandalised during violent protests over the long weekend, some of which drew tens of thousands of people. Many restaurants and malls closed early over what is typically a very busy holiday period. That followed the decision by authorities to impose a ban on face masks, which protesters use to protect their identity, on Friday under colonial-era emergency powers. Residents awoke on Tuesday to anti-police graffiti and streets littered with broken bricks and metal barricades from weekend clashes, during which police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon to subdue petrol bomb-throwing protesters. The protests have plunged the former British colony into its worst political crisis in decades and are taking a growing toll on Hong Kong's economy, hitting its important tourism and retail sectors as it faces its first recession in a decade. What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has grown into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, which protesters say undermines a "one country, two systems" formula promised when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China dismisses such accusations, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment. The ban on face masks inflamed protests and angered many Hong Kongers who fear a further erosion of their civil liberties.

With metro still partially functioning, Hong Kong opens for business after violent clashes

Most metro stations and shops in Hong Kong opened for business on Tuesday (October 8) after a violent weekend of protests and a public holiday.

Hong Kong reopens most metro stations, shops after weekend protests

Chinese state television said on Tuesday it wouldn't air NBA exhibition games played in the country this week, heaping further pressure on the US basketball league after a tweet by a Houston Rockets executive backing protests in Hong Kong.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey apologised on Monday for any hurt caused by the tweet, which he quickly deleted over the weekend. Beijing, Chinese fans and the team's partners in a key NBA market have not been assuaged, however, resulting in loss of sponsors and broadcasts in the world's second-largest economy.

The National Basketball Association issued a statement saying it regretted Morey's remarks, drawing criticism from US lawmakers. At the same time, commissioner Adam Silver told Kyodo News the NBA supports freedom of expression - a response deemed unacceptable to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

"We strongly oppose Silver's support of Morey on the basis of freedom of speech and we think any comments that challenge a country's sovereignty and social stability is not within the scope of freedom of speech," CCTV said Tuesday in a statement in Chinese, adding that it would review its relationship with the NBA.

The league's regular season, to which CCTV owns exclusive Chinese broadcast rights, begins this month. Tech giant Tencent Holdings has exclusive internet streaming rights in China, which local media reports have said are worth about $1.58 billion; it has said it would temporarily stop showing Rockets games.

The decision heaps further pressure on the league, which faces criticism on multiple fronts about its handling of the controversy. Its apology on Sunday disappointed some who see the league as the most progressive of the US sports organisations, while Silver's support for Morey's right to speak his mind has left the league vulnerable in China.

The league has worked for years to cultivate the Chinese market and regularly plays exhibition games in the country. Its top stars, including Rockets guard James Harden, frequently visit to meet fans and conduct promotional activities with sponsors.

Tencent said in July that 490 million Chinese fans watched NBA programming on its platforms last season, up threefold since the 2014-2015 season.

Right of expression

Silver told Kyodo in an interview the league's stance was firm that members of the NBA community were free to express themselves and that the league backed their right to do so.

"There are the values that have been part of this league from its earliest days, and that includes free expression," Silver, in Japan for a preseason game on Tuesday between the Rockets and the Toronto Raptors, told Kyodo.

"I think as a values-based organisation that I want to make it clear ... that Daryl Morey is supported in terms of his ability to exercise his freedom of expression," he told the news agency. "I accept that it is also Chinese governments' and Chinese businesses' right to react to those words and, at least from my long-time experience in the NBA, it will take some time to heal some of these issues."

Silver said the league also supported Brooklyn Nets owner and Alibaba Group co-founder Joseph Tsai, who issued a lengthy statement criticising Morey's tweet.

A preseason game between the Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers is set for Thursday in Shanghai, with a rematch scheduled for Saturday in Shenzhen. However, organisers abruptly cancelled a Tuesday media event in the city without explanation.

Several Chinese celebrities also announced on China's Twitter-like Weibo service that they would not attend an NBA-organised "fans' night" Wednesday evening.

Actor and singer Evan Li said in a statement posted on his Weibo account that he would boycott the event, saying "the motherland always stands above everything."

The NBA is believed to earn billions of yuan a year from its Chinese merchandise sales, and fans said the league needed to take action.

"If the NBA doesn't do anything about this matter, about Morey supporting Hong Kong independence, then should we think about how does the NBA view the Chinese market and Chinese fans?" said Zhang Jinru, a Beijing high school student.

Chinese state television said on Tuesday it wouldn't air NBA exhibition games played in the country this week, heaping further pressure on the US basketball league after a tweet by a Houston Rockets executive backing protests in Hong Kong.

Chinese state television said on Tuesday it wouldn't air NBA exhibition games played in the country this week, heaping further pressure on the US basketball league after a tweet by a Houston Rockets executive backing protests in Hong Kong. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey apologised on Monday for any hurt caused by the tweet, which he quickly deleted over the weekend. Beijing, Chinese fans and the team's partners in a key NBA market have not been assuaged, however, resulting in loss of sponsors and broadcasts in the world's second-largest economy. The National Basketball Association issued a statement saying it regretted Morey's remarks, drawing criticism from US lawmakers. At the same time, commissioner Adam Silver told Kyodo News the NBA supports freedom of expression - a response deemed unacceptable to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. "We strongly oppose Silver's support of Morey on the basis of freedom of speech and we think any comments that challenge a country's sovereignty and social stability is not within the scope of freedom of speech," CCTV said Tuesday in a statement in Chinese, adding that it would review its relationship with the NBA. The league's regular season, to which CCTV owns exclusive Chinese broadcast rights, begins this month. Tech giant Tencent Holdings has exclusive internet streaming rights in China, which local media reports have said are worth about $1.58 billion; it has said it would temporarily stop showing Rockets games. The decision heaps further pressure on the league, which faces criticism on multiple fronts about its handling of the controversy. Its apology on Sunday disappointed some who see the league as the most progressive of the US sports organisations, while Silver's support for Morey's right to speak his mind has left the league vulnerable in China. The league has worked for years to cultivate the Chinese market and regularly plays exhibition games in the country. Its top stars, including Rockets guard James Harden, frequently visit to meet fans and conduct promotional activities with sponsors. Tencent said in July that 490 million Chinese fans watched NBA programming on its platforms last season, up threefold since the 2014-2015 season. Right of expression Silver told Kyodo in an interview the league's stance was firm that members of the NBA community were free to express themselves and that the league backed their right to do so. "There are the values that have been part of this league from its earliest days, and that includes free expression," Silver, in Japan for a preseason game on Tuesday between the Rockets and the Toronto Raptors, told Kyodo. "I think as a values-based organisation that I want to make it clear ... that Daryl Morey is supported in terms of his ability to exercise his freedom of expression," he told the news agency. "I accept that it is also Chinese governments' and Chinese businesses' right to react to those words and, at least from my long-time experience in the NBA, it will take some time to heal some of these issues." Silver said the league also supported Brooklyn Nets owner and Alibaba Group co-founder Joseph Tsai, who issued a lengthy statement criticising Morey's tweet. A preseason game between the Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers is set for Thursday in Shanghai, with a rematch scheduled for Saturday in Shenzhen. However, organisers abruptly cancelled a Tuesday media event in the city without explanation. Several Chinese celebrities also announced on China's Twitter-like Weibo service that they would not attend an NBA-organised "fans' night" Wednesday evening. Actor and singer Evan Li said in a statement posted on his Weibo account that he would boycott the event, saying "the motherland always stands above everything." The NBA is believed to earn billions of yuan a year from its Chinese merchandise sales, and fans said the league needed to take action. "If the NBA doesn't do anything about this matter, about Morey supporting Hong Kong independence, then should we think about how does the NBA view the Chinese market and Chinese fans?" said Zhang Jinru, a Beijing high school student.

China TV drops NBA exhibition games, escalating pressure amid tweet uproar

The general manager of the Houston Rockets said Monday a tweet backing Hong Kong protests that caused a major backlash was not meant to offend the NBA team's massive Chinese fanbase.

Daryl Morey's comments came as the NBA issued a statement distancing itself from the offending tweet and saying it was "regrettable" that the posting had offended so many fans in China.&nbsp;

The Rockets have been in damage control mode since Morey posted a tweet Friday featuring the message "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong" that was subsequently deleted.

"I did not intend my tweet to cause any offence to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China," Morey said in a tweet Monday morning in Tokyo, where the Rockets are playing several matches this week.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
2/ I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA.
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey/status/1181000809363857409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives," he added.

"I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention," Morey said.

He also reiterated that his tweets "in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA."

The NBA issued its own statement, saying it recognised Morey's views "have offended so many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable."&nbsp;

The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are due to play two pre-season games at Shanghai and Shenzhen in China later this week.

"While Daryl has made it clear that his tweet does not represent the Rockets or the NBA, the values of the league support individuals' educating themselves and sharing their views on matters important to them," the statement issued by chief communications officer Mike Bass said.

'Incorrect comments'&nbsp;

The Rockets have already tried to distance themselves from the controversy, with owner Tilman Fertitta on Friday writing on Twitter that Morey "does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets... we are NOT a political organisation."

But the backlash in China has been fierce, with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) saying it would sever all ties with the Rockets.

"General manager of Houston Rockets club Daryl Morey made incorrect comments about Hong Kong," the CBA said on its official social media page on Sunday.

"The Chinese Basketball Association is strongly opposed to this and will suspend communication and cooperation with the club."

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been battered by four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

The rallies were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions to mainland China, fuelling fears of an erosion of liberties in Hong Kong under the 50-year "one country, two systems" model China agreed before the 1997 handover from Britain.

The Rockets have enjoyed a huge following in China since the club drafted Chinese star Yao Ming in 2002.

But fans on social media in China savaged Morey's comments, with some urging he be fired.

The Rockets are in Japan for two exhibition games this week against NBA champions Toronto Raptors, and their head coach Mike D'Antoni on Sunday said that was the team's focus.

The general manager of the Houston Rockets said Monday a tweet backing Hong Kong protests that caused a major backlash was not meant to offend the NBA team's massive Chinese fanbase.

The general manager of the Houston Rockets said Monday a tweet backing Hong Kong protests that caused a major backlash was not meant to offend the NBA team's massive Chinese fanbase. Daryl Morey's comments came as the NBA issued a statement distancing itself from the offending tweet and saying it was "regrettable" that the posting had offended so many fans in China. The Rockets have been in damage control mode since Morey posted a tweet Friday featuring the message "Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong" that was subsequently deleted. "I did not intend my tweet to cause any offence to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China," Morey said in a tweet Monday morning in Tokyo, where the Rockets are playing several matches this week. 2/ I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA. — Daryl Morey (@dmorey) October 7, 2019 × "I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives," he added. "I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention," Morey said. He also reiterated that his tweets "in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA." The NBA issued its own statement, saying it recognised Morey's views "have offended so many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable." The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are due to play two pre-season games at Shanghai and Shenzhen in China later this week. "While Daryl has made it clear that his tweet does not represent the Rockets or the NBA, the values of the league support individuals' educating themselves and sharing their views on matters important to them," the statement issued by chief communications officer Mike Bass said. 'Incorrect comments' The Rockets have already tried to distance themselves from the controversy, with owner Tilman Fertitta on Friday writing on Twitter that Morey "does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets... we are NOT a political organisation." But the backlash in China has been fierce, with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) saying it would sever all ties with the Rockets. "General manager of Houston Rockets club Daryl Morey made incorrect comments about Hong Kong," the CBA said on its official social media page on Sunday. "The Chinese Basketball Association is strongly opposed to this and will suspend communication and cooperation with the club." Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been battered by four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. The rallies were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions to mainland China, fuelling fears of an erosion of liberties in Hong Kong under the 50-year "one country, two systems" model China agreed before the 1997 handover from Britain. The Rockets have enjoyed a huge following in China since the club drafted Chinese star Yao Ming in 2002. But fans on social media in China savaged Morey's comments, with some urging he be fired. The Rockets are in Japan for two exhibition games this week against NBA champions Toronto Raptors, and their head coach Mike D'Antoni on Sunday said that was the team's focus.

NBA Rockets executive says Hong Kong tweet not meant to offend

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petrol-bombs-and-tear-gas-rock-hong-kong-as-thousands-defy-mask-ban-254076">shone lasers at their barracks in the city</a>, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Kowloon district warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its troops and barracks walls with laser lights.

One officer shouted through a loudhailer in broken Cantonese - the main language of Hong Kong - "Bear consequences for your actions."

The stand-off with the PLA came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell.

Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban.

Police made their first arrests under the new rules, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons.

Hong Kong protests: Protesters brave rain to defy face mask ban

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-protesters-brave-rain-to-defy-face-mask-ban-254072/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island.

"We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny."

Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the PLA's Osborn Barracks in Kowloon Tong district held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted."

The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters, several thousand of whom passed the barracks, eventually dispersed.

In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”.

But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub.

The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible".

More violence

Authorities had braced for major protests on Sunday, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day.

Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police.

The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong Island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police moved to disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately.

Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago.

What started as an opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment.

Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers.

Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway.

A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward train station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. A metro station in the nightlife district of Wan Chai had a sheet draped over it which read: "This way to HELL".

Protesters set a fire at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us".

The current "precarious situation", which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for November&nbsp;24.

Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well.

"Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Kowloon district warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its troops and barracks walls with laser lights. One officer shouted through a loudhailer in broken Cantonese - the main language of Hong Kong - "Bear consequences for your actions." The stand-off with the PLA came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell. Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban. Police made their first arrests under the new rules, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons. Hong Kong protests: Protesters brave rain to defy face mask ban "The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island. "We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny." Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the PLA's Osborn Barracks in Kowloon Tong district held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted." The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters, several thousand of whom passed the barracks, eventually dispersed. In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”. But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub. The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible". More violence Authorities had braced for major protests on Sunday, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day. Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police. The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong Island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police moved to disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately. Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago. What started as an opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment. Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers. Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway. A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward train station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. A metro station in the nightlife district of Wan Chai had a sheet draped over it which read: "This way to HELL". Protesters set a fire at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us". The current "precarious situation", which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for November 24. Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well. "Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

'Bear consequences for your actions': Chinese soldiers issues warning to Hong Kong protesters

Houston Rockets apologizes to China for Hong Kong tweet. Watch video to know more.

Houston Rockets apologizes to China for Hong Kong tweet

Hong Kong face mask ban prompts thousands to protest

Hong Kong Protest: Officer shoots at attacking protesters

Hong Kong's bid to ban face masks has backfired. Tens of thousands of protesters marched through central Hong Kong on Sunday wearing face masks in defiance of colonial-era emergency powers which threaten them with a year in prison for hiding their faces. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Protesters brave rain to defy face mask ban

Hong Kong protests: Pro-democracy lawmakers challenge face mask ban

Hong Kong's bid to ban face masks has backfired. Watch this video to know more.

Video of a Chinese office worker being punched by a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-metro-system-partially-reopens-as-city-braces-for-further-protests-253992"> Hong Kong democracy </a>supporter as a crowd chanted "go home" has caused outrage on the mainland, highlighting widening polarisation in the financial hub.

Footage shot by both reporters and protesters showed a white-shirted man being punched repeatedly outside the entrance to JPMorgan by a single masked protester on the sidelines of a rally in Hong Kong's commercial district on Friday.

Bloomberg News reported that the man worked for the American bank, which said it was boosting security outside its offices in an internal memo sent to staff.

It is not clear how the altercation started.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-violence-flares-in-hong-kong-a-look-at-controversial-anti-mask-ban-253884">In pics: As violence flares in Hong Kong, a look at controversial anti-mask ban</a>

Footage begins with the man, who speaks Mandarin, surrounded by media photographers as an angry crowd chants "go back to the mainland".

He makes his way through the press scrum to the door of his office building before turning to the crowd and shouting "We are all Chinese".&nbsp;

Shortly after a masked man punches him multiple times, knocking off his glasses.

The clip has gone viral in mainland China, where news about Hong Kong is strictly censored.&nbsp;

One version of the video on the Twitter-like Weibo platform describing the attacked JP Morgan worker as "very brave", had received more than 11.2 million views and 91,000 likes by Sunday morning.

Comments were filled with anger towards Hong Kongers.

'Enough tolerance'

"Just because he speaks Mandarin and thinks 'we are all Chinese', why should he be punched and have his glasses knocked off?" asked one commentator under the name Aubrey.&nbsp;

"You have to pull up the roots (of Hong Kong) and leave nothing behind. They have had enough tolerance," another added.

Some comments hit out at a photographer who appeared to block the door to the office to take pictures.&nbsp;

Chinese state media focuses on the worst excesses of the violence while downplaying, or blocking, the popular public anger in Hong Kong towards Beijing.

Authorities also remove viral videos on social media that are sympathetic to the protests, but tend to allow footage that reflects poorly on the pro-democracy movement.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has been battered by four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests fuelled by sliding freedoms under Beijing's rule.

In the early days, fights were rare.

But on 21 June a mob of Beijing supporters wielding sticks attacked protesters in the town of Yuen Long, hospitalising more than 40 people.

Other attacks by Beijing supporters occurred in the district of North Point, while democracy supporters assaulted two men accused of being Chinese spies during an airport sit-in in August.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, fights across the ideological divide have intensified and pro-democracy protesters have repeatedly surrounded and attacked people.

Video of a Chinese office worker being punched by a Hong Kong democracy supporter as a crowd chanted "go home" has caused outrage on the mainland, highlighting widening polarisation in the financial hub.

Video of a Chinese office worker being punched by a Hong Kong democracy supporter as a crowd chanted "go home" has caused outrage on the mainland, highlighting widening polarisation in the financial hub. Footage shot by both reporters and protesters showed a white-shirted man being punched repeatedly outside the entrance to JPMorgan by a single masked protester on the sidelines of a rally in Hong Kong's commercial district on Friday. Bloomberg News reported that the man worked for the American bank, which said it was boosting security outside its offices in an internal memo sent to staff. It is not clear how the altercation started. In pics: As violence flares in Hong Kong, a look at controversial anti-mask ban Footage begins with the man, who speaks Mandarin, surrounded by media photographers as an angry crowd chants "go back to the mainland". He makes his way through the press scrum to the door of his office building before turning to the crowd and shouting "We are all Chinese". Shortly after a masked man punches him multiple times, knocking off his glasses. The clip has gone viral in mainland China, where news about Hong Kong is strictly censored. One version of the video on the Twitter-like Weibo platform describing the attacked JP Morgan worker as "very brave", had received more than 11.2 million views and 91,000 likes by Sunday morning. Comments were filled with anger towards Hong Kongers. 'Enough tolerance' "Just because he speaks Mandarin and thinks 'we are all Chinese', why should he be punched and have his glasses knocked off?" asked one commentator under the name Aubrey. "You have to pull up the roots (of Hong Kong) and leave nothing behind. They have had enough tolerance," another added. Some comments hit out at a photographer who appeared to block the door to the office to take pictures. Chinese state media focuses on the worst excesses of the violence while downplaying, or blocking, the popular public anger in Hong Kong towards Beijing. Authorities also remove viral videos on social media that are sympathetic to the protests, but tend to allow footage that reflects poorly on the pro-democracy movement. Hong Kong has been battered by four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests fuelled by sliding freedoms under Beijing's rule. In the early days, fights were rare. But on 21 June a mob of Beijing supporters wielding sticks attacked protesters in the town of Yuen Long, hospitalising more than 40 people. Other attacks by Beijing supporters occurred in the district of North Point, while democracy supporters assaulted two men accused of being Chinese spies during an airport sit-in in August. In recent weeks, fights across the ideological divide have intensified and pro-democracy protesters have repeatedly surrounded and attacked people.

Outrage in China as Hong Kong democracy supporter assaults mainlander, crowd chants 'go home'

Hong Kong protests: Thousands defy government face mask ban

In one peaceful community previously untouched by the months of unrest that have shaken Hong Kong, it was an unexpected sight, the methodical ransacking of the local subway station over a three-hour period.

Clashes raged in multiple locations throughout the former British colony on Friday night after Hong Kong's leader invoked colonial-era emergency powers to ban pro-democracy protesters wearing face masks.

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters who had taken over roads, vandalised subway stations, set street fires and trashed pro-China businesses -- testing again the capacity of the city's law enforcement, who many accuse of using excessive force.&nbsp;

Around 8:30 pm on Friday, it was the turn of Tseung Kwan O, which sits across a bay from the main island of Hong Kong.

For three hours, not one police officer was visible in the district, which is popular with Westerners.

'Like a queen'

The demonstrators had all the time in the world to ransack the local station run by the MTR Corp, the company operating the city's underground rail system, which the protesters accuse of siding with the pro-Beijing government.

"MTR supports the government by closing stations on purpose to prevent demonstrators moving around," said one student, 19, who identified himself only as JC.

"But they help transport the police," he said, as rail services were suspended throughout the semi-autonomous territory's network.

"Banning masks doesn't change anything," added JC, hiding his own face -- like other protesters -- to avoid being identified for prosecution.

Tape covers his fingertips so he leaves no prints.

"The main problem is that she goes through the law without the LegCo," JC continued, referring to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam who was appointed by an overwhelmingly Beijing-friendly committee.

Under sweeping powers unveiled on Friday, Lam does not need the approval of the city's legislature, known as LegCo, to introduce laws.

"She's like a queen now," JC said.

As in many of Hong Kong's New Towns, the subway station is the nerve centre of local life.

Graffiti at the entrance read: "Communist railway".

Inside, fire hoses were unwound and water flowed down escalators leading to train platforms.

The sprinklers were activated too, and the floor flooded as loudspeakers blared an automated message about the "emergency," telling people to leave immediately.

Outside, armed with metal barriers, protesters systematically broke each pane of glass along a 200-metre (600-foot) facade.

'Upping our game'

"What happened wasn't planned," Nathalie, a 32-year-old worker, said enthusiastically, hailing the movement's ability to mobilise through social networks.

"That's the most impressive part of the movement. Everything was triggered by the press conference" at which Lam announced the mask ban, Nathalie adds.

"The government doesn't listen to us. So we are upping our game."

By 11:30 pm, six vans arrived near an intersection beside the MTR station where hundreds of protesters had erected small makeshift barricades.

About 20 riot police finally appeared. The protesters pulled back and JC changed from his black jacket -- the colour of clothing favoured by protesters -- into something in a less conspicuous shade.

Then he melted away.

A shirtless man, cigarette in his mouth and beer in hand, walked to the middle of the junction to challenge the officers, much to the approval of the demonstrators.

Then he backed down.

By 11:45 pm, more than three hours after it all began, the police got back in their vans and headed off.

Protesters let out cries of joy, then very quickly dispersed, leaving the residents of Tseung Kwan O to pick up the pieces.

In one peaceful community previously untouched by the months of unrest that have shaken Hong Kong, it was an unexpected sight, the methodical ransacking of the local subway station over a three-hour period.

In one peaceful community previously untouched by the months of unrest that have shaken Hong Kong, it was an unexpected sight, the methodical ransacking of the local subway station over a three-hour period. Clashes raged in multiple locations throughout the former British colony on Friday night after Hong Kong's leader invoked colonial-era emergency powers to ban pro-democracy protesters wearing face masks. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters who had taken over roads, vandalised subway stations, set street fires and trashed pro-China businesses -- testing again the capacity of the city's law enforcement, who many accuse of using excessive force. Around 8:30 pm on Friday, it was the turn of Tseung Kwan O, which sits across a bay from the main island of Hong Kong. For three hours, not one police officer was visible in the district, which is popular with Westerners. 'Like a queen' The demonstrators had all the time in the world to ransack the local station run by the MTR Corp, the company operating the city's underground rail system, which the protesters accuse of siding with the pro-Beijing government. "MTR supports the government by closing stations on purpose to prevent demonstrators moving around," said one student, 19, who identified himself only as JC. "But they help transport the police," he said, as rail services were suspended throughout the semi-autonomous territory's network. "Banning masks doesn't change anything," added JC, hiding his own face -- like other protesters -- to avoid being identified for prosecution. Tape covers his fingertips so he leaves no prints. "The main problem is that she goes through the law without the LegCo," JC continued, referring to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam who was appointed by an overwhelmingly Beijing-friendly committee. Under sweeping powers unveiled on Friday, Lam does not need the approval of the city's legislature, known as LegCo, to introduce laws. "She's like a queen now," JC said. As in many of Hong Kong's New Towns, the subway station is the nerve centre of local life. Graffiti at the entrance read: "Communist railway". Inside, fire hoses were unwound and water flowed down escalators leading to train platforms. The sprinklers were activated too, and the floor flooded as loudspeakers blared an automated message about the "emergency," telling people to leave immediately. Outside, armed with metal barriers, protesters systematically broke each pane of glass along a 200-metre (600-foot) facade. 'Upping our game' "What happened wasn't planned," Nathalie, a 32-year-old worker, said enthusiastically, hailing the movement's ability to mobilise through social networks. "That's the most impressive part of the movement. Everything was triggered by the press conference" at which Lam announced the mask ban, Nathalie adds. "The government doesn't listen to us. So we are upping our game." By 11:30 pm, six vans arrived near an intersection beside the MTR station where hundreds of protesters had erected small makeshift barricades. About 20 riot police finally appeared. The protesters pulled back and JC changed from his black jacket -- the colour of clothing favoured by protesters -- into something in a less conspicuous shade. Then he melted away. A shirtless man, cigarette in his mouth and beer in hand, walked to the middle of the junction to challenge the officers, much to the approval of the demonstrators. Then he backed down. By 11:45 pm, more than three hours after it all began, the police got back in their vans and headed off. Protesters let out cries of joy, then very quickly dispersed, leaving the residents of Tseung Kwan O to pick up the pieces.

Violence reaches a once peaceful Hong Kong suburb

Hong Kong's rail operator said the entire metro system would remain shut on Saturday in an unprecedented move as the city braced for more demonstrations after a night of chaos when police shot a teenage boy and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-tycoon-li-ka-shing-donates-128-million-to-support-local-business-253662">pro-democracy protesters torched businesses</a> and metro stations.

Violent protests erupted across the Chinese-ruled city hours after its embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago.

For four months the city has been roiled by increasingly violent protests, which began in opposition to a bill introduced in April that would have allowed extradition to mainland China but have spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-must-protect-freedom-of-assembly-un-rights-office-253732">Beijing-backed leader</a> said a ban on face masks that took effect Saturday was ordered under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.

But the move enraged protesters, who took to the streets as darkness fell to vent their anger. They set fires, hurled petrol bombs at police and burned the Chinese national flag, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing.

Watch: Hong Kong protest - anti-mask&nbsp;law to be implemented HK Government

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protest-anti-mask-law-to-be-implemented-hk-government-253827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Police said an officer in Yuen Long, a district in the outlying New Territories that saw fierce clashes in July, had fired a shot in self-defence after a protester threw a petrol bomb at him, setting him on fire.

Local media reported a 14-year-old boy had been shot and the city’s Hospital Authority said a 14-year-old was in a serious condition, without giving further details.

Rail operator MTR corp suspended the whole network, leaving people stranded across the city, many forced to walk home.

In a statement, it said protesters had set fires at multiple stations, including to an empty train, and injured two staff.

"As we are no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the circumstances, the Corporation had no choice but to make the decision to suspend the service of its entire network including Heavy Rail, Light Rail and MTR bus," it said in a statement on Saturday morning.

The airport express, the city's main link to the airport, would also stay closed, it said, while more than a dozen shopping malls, which shut their doors early on Friday in anticipation of violence, said they would also not re-open.

Around a hundred demonstrators besieged a Bank of China (HK) branch in the high-end shopping district of Causeway Bay, while across the harbour in Kowloon district protesters smashed the glass store front of a China Life branch.

Police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters in flashpoint districts across the territory, including Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, underscoring the challenges facing authorities as the protests show no sign of letting up.

Further demonstrations are planned for the weekend, including a march on Saturday from Salisbury Garden in Kowloon.

Hong Kong's rail operator said the entire metro system would remain shut on Saturday in an unprecedented move as the city braced for more demonstrations after a night of chaos when police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations.

Hong Kong's rail operator said the entire metro system would remain shut on Saturday in an unprecedented move as the city braced for more demonstrations after a night of chaos when police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations. Violent protests erupted across the Chinese-ruled city hours after its embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago. For four months the city has been roiled by increasingly violent protests, which began in opposition to a bill introduced in April that would have allowed extradition to mainland China but have spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement. The Beijing-backed leader said a ban on face masks that took effect Saturday was ordered under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest. But the move enraged protesters, who took to the streets as darkness fell to vent their anger. They set fires, hurled petrol bombs at police and burned the Chinese national flag, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing. Watch: Hong Kong protest - anti-mask law to be implemented HK Government × Police said an officer in Yuen Long, a district in the outlying New Territories that saw fierce clashes in July, had fired a shot in self-defence after a protester threw a petrol bomb at him, setting him on fire. Local media reported a 14-year-old boy had been shot and the city’s Hospital Authority said a 14-year-old was in a serious condition, without giving further details. Rail operator MTR corp suspended the whole network, leaving people stranded across the city, many forced to walk home. In a statement, it said protesters had set fires at multiple stations, including to an empty train, and injured two staff. "As we are no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the circumstances, the Corporation had no choice but to make the decision to suspend the service of its entire network including Heavy Rail, Light Rail and MTR bus," it said in a statement on Saturday morning. The airport express, the city's main link to the airport, would also stay closed, it said, while more than a dozen shopping malls, which shut their doors early on Friday in anticipation of violence, said they would also not re-open. Around a hundred demonstrators besieged a Bank of China (HK) branch in the high-end shopping district of Causeway Bay, while across the harbour in Kowloon district protesters smashed the glass store front of a China Life branch. Police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters in flashpoint districts across the territory, including Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, underscoring the challenges facing authorities as the protests show no sign of letting up. Further demonstrations are planned for the weekend, including a march on Saturday from Salisbury Garden in Kowloon.

Hong Kong metro system to remain shut as city reels from night of violent protests

Carrie Lam said a ban on face masks would take effect from October 5 under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.

Hong Kong Protest: Anti Mask law to be implemented HK Government

Hundreds of masked protesters thronged the streets of Hong Kong on Saturday (October 5), many of them wearing masks in open defiance of government face mask ban.

Hong Kong: Thousands defy government face mask ban

Pro-democracy protesters marched through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-metro-system-to-remain-shut-as-city-reels-from-night-of-violent-protests-253829">Hong Kong</a> in defiance of a ban on face masks as much of the city ground to a halt on Saturday with the subway suspended and swathes of shops and malls shuttered following another night of violence.

Hundreds of protesters, almost all masked, staged an unsanctioned march through the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay, a day after the city's leader outlawed face coverings at protests invoking colonial-era emergency powers not used for half a century.

The latest act of resistance came after a night of widespread night of chaos as hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations vandalised shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked roads.

As the crowds were marching on Saturday, city leader Carrie Lam released a stony-faced video statement in which she condemned protesters for "a very dark night".

"We cannot allow rioters any more to destroy our treasured Hong Kong," Lam said as she called on citizens to distance themselves form the more hardcore protesters.

But the march in Causeway Bay, which came despite the city-wide subway closure, showed protesters were still willing to defy the mask ban as they chanted "No rioters, only tyranny" and other popular slogans.

Months of chaos

Hong Kong has been battered by four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

The rallies were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, which fuelled fears of an erosion of liberties promised under the "one country, two systems" model China uses for the finance hub.

After Beijing and local leaders took a hard line, the demonstrations snowballed into a wider movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Lam has refused any major concessions but struggled to come up with any political solution that might end the chaos, leaving police and demonstrators to fight increasingly violent battles as the city tips into recession.

Hong Kong witnessed its worst clashes to date on Tuesday as China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule, with a teenager shot and wounded by police as he attacked an officer.

On Friday, Lam used a colonial-era law to ban face masks at protests, but it did little to clam tensions.

Instead, it triggered another wave of mass protests and vows of defiance.

"The government doesn't listen to us. So we are upping our game," said 32-year-old protester Nathalie, as hardcore demonstrators trashed a station in the previously calm neighbourhood of Tseung Kwan O.

In the northern district of Yuen Long, a plainclothes police officer opened fire when he was surrounded in his car and attacked by protesters, a petrol bomb exploding at his feet.

Local media reported a teenage boy was shot and wounded in the same district but police would not confirm whether the bullet came from the officer's gun.

City grinds to a halt

As the city awoke on Saturday, the rail network remained out of action -- although the crucial airport service partially re-opened in the afternoon. The subway alone usually carries some four million passengers a day.

Shopping malls were closed, supermarket chains said they would not open and many mainland Chinese banks stayed shuttered, their facades sprayed with graffiti.

In some locations, long lines formed at supermarkets as residents stocked up on rice, eggs, toilet paper and other essentials, fearing further clashes.

Police sent text messages urging the public to avoid protests over the three day holiday weekend.

While the increased vandalism has shocked many in a city unused to such scenes, many more moderate activists say they still have sympathy for those using violence.

The movement deploys many slogans advocating unity within the different camps pushing for democracy.

On Saturday afternoon a 67-year-old property agent, who gave his surname Luk, was surveying the damage to his local subway station, its windows shattered and walls daubed with graffiti.

He said he opposed vandalism but wouldn't condemn those trashing the station.

"The government will not make any concessions," he told AFP. "The government isn't having a dialogue with citizens, they are just pushing this one-side behaviour."

A French resident, who gave his first name Marko, described the face mask ban as "adding oil to the fire".

"But I think the people who destroyed the stations are extremists," he added.

Pro-China lawmakers and police praised Lam's ban. Beijing also voiced support, calling it "extremely necessary".

But critics said Lam's move was a major step towards authoritarianism.

The emergency power, last used by the British in 1967, allows Lam to bypass the city's parliament to make "any regulation whatsoever" during an emergency or moment of public danger.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong in defiance of a ban on face masks as much of the city ground to a halt on Saturday with the subway suspended and swathes of shops and malls shuttered following another night of violence.

Pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong in defiance of a ban on face masks as much of the city ground to a halt on Saturday with the subway suspended and swathes of shops and malls shuttered following another night of violence. Hundreds of protesters, almost all masked, staged an unsanctioned march through the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay, a day after the city's leader outlawed face coverings at protests invoking colonial-era emergency powers not used for half a century. The latest act of resistance came after a night of widespread night of chaos as hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations vandalised shops with mainland China ties, built fires and blocked roads. As the crowds were marching on Saturday, city leader Carrie Lam released a stony-faced video statement in which she condemned protesters for "a very dark night". "We cannot allow rioters any more to destroy our treasured Hong Kong," Lam said as she called on citizens to distance themselves form the more hardcore protesters. But the march in Causeway Bay, which came despite the city-wide subway closure, showed protesters were still willing to defy the mask ban as they chanted "No rioters, only tyranny" and other popular slogans. Months of chaos Hong Kong has been battered by four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. The rallies were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, which fuelled fears of an erosion of liberties promised under the "one country, two systems" model China uses for the finance hub. After Beijing and local leaders took a hard line, the demonstrations snowballed into a wider movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability. Lam has refused any major concessions but struggled to come up with any political solution that might end the chaos, leaving police and demonstrators to fight increasingly violent battles as the city tips into recession. Hong Kong witnessed its worst clashes to date on Tuesday as China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule, with a teenager shot and wounded by police as he attacked an officer. On Friday, Lam used a colonial-era law to ban face masks at protests, but it did little to clam tensions. Instead, it triggered another wave of mass protests and vows of defiance. "The government doesn't listen to us. So we are upping our game," said 32-year-old protester Nathalie, as hardcore demonstrators trashed a station in the previously calm neighbourhood of Tseung Kwan O. In the northern district of Yuen Long, a plainclothes police officer opened fire when he was surrounded in his car and attacked by protesters, a petrol bomb exploding at his feet. Local media reported a teenage boy was shot and wounded in the same district but police would not confirm whether the bullet came from the officer's gun. City grinds to a halt As the city awoke on Saturday, the rail network remained out of action -- although the crucial airport service partially re-opened in the afternoon. The subway alone usually carries some four million passengers a day. Shopping malls were closed, supermarket chains said they would not open and many mainland Chinese banks stayed shuttered, their facades sprayed with graffiti. In some locations, long lines formed at supermarkets as residents stocked up on rice, eggs, toilet paper and other essentials, fearing further clashes. Police sent text messages urging the public to avoid protests over the three day holiday weekend. While the increased vandalism has shocked many in a city unused to such scenes, many more moderate activists say they still have sympathy for those using violence. The movement deploys many slogans advocating unity within the different camps pushing for democracy. On Saturday afternoon a 67-year-old property agent, who gave his surname Luk, was surveying the damage to his local subway station, its windows shattered and walls daubed with graffiti. He said he opposed vandalism but wouldn't condemn those trashing the station. "The government will not make any concessions," he told AFP. "The government isn't having a dialogue with citizens, they are just pushing this one-side behaviour." A French resident, who gave his first name Marko, described the face mask ban as "adding oil to the fire". "But I think the people who destroyed the stations are extremists," he added. Pro-China lawmakers and police praised Lam's ban. Beijing also voiced support, calling it "extremely necessary". But critics said Lam's move was a major step towards authoritarianism. The emergency power, last used by the British in 1967, allows Lam to bypass the city's parliament to make "any regulation whatsoever" during an emergency or moment of public danger.

Hong Kong protesters defy mask ban as city grinds to halt

Hong Kong's government was expected to meet Friday to discuss using a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-to-meet-today-to-discuss-face-mask-ban-at-protests-253612">colonial-era emergency law</a> to ban pro-democracy protesters from wearing face masks, a move opponents said would be a turning point that tips the financial hub towards authoritarianism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-flash-mob-rallies-erupt-as-anger-mounts-over-shot-protester-253229">Hundreds of masked protesters</a>, mostly office workers, rallied in the city's commercial district ahead of the expected ban while activists have vowed another long weekend of flash-mob protests.

Seething public anger against Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city has exploded into huge demonstrations and increasingly violent confrontations, with no sign of an end to nearly four months of unrest.

Protesters have used face masks to avoid identification -- along with yellow helmets, goggles and respirators to protect themselves from tear gas and police projectiles.

Local media reported embattled leader Carrie Lam was expected to meet her cabinet on Friday morning to decide whether they should enact the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban all face coverings.

If passed, the ban would likely be announced later in the afternoon and come into force at midnight, a government source told the South China Morning Post.

But protesters have vowed to defy the law.&nbsp;

Watch: Hong Kong protesters hit police station with petrol bombs

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-hit-police-station-with-petrol-bombs-253357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Youngsters are risking their lives, they don't mind being jailed for ten years, so wearing masks is not a problem," a 34-year-old officer worker wearing a surgical mask, who gave her first name Mary, told AFP at a protest on Friday afternoon.

The expected ban comes after Hong Kong was rocked by the worst violence on the summer on Tuesday, the same day China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule.

Street battles raged for hours between riot police and hardcore protesters while a teenager who was part of a group that attacked police with umbrellas and poles was shot in the chest with a live round -- the first such shooting since the protests began.

Protesters have increasingly resorted to hurling bricks and Molotov cocktails while police are firing tear gas and rubber bullets with unprecedented frequency.&nbsp;

On Friday the city's subway system said 83 of its 91 underground stations had been vandalised in recent months after protesters turned on the operator because it began shutting down some stations ahead of large protests.

'Watershed moment'

Pro-establishment lawmakers and a prominent police officer association have ramped up their calls for the government to invoke the emergency laws, which were last used 52 years ago by the British during deadly leftist riots.&nbsp;

The law allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in the event of an emergency or public danger without the need to go via's the city's parliament.

During the 1967 riots -- a period where more than 50 people were killed in a year-long leftist bombing and murder spree -- the British used the ERO to give police extra powers of arrest and rolled out widespread censorship of the press.

Government supporters say emergency powers are needed to combat the increased violence of hardcore protesters.

But critics have countered that bypassing the legislature and giving Lam the power to make any law would be a slippery slope for an international finance hub that owes its economic success to its reputation for rule of law and judicial independence.

"This is a watershed. This is a Rubicon," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told AFP. "And I'm worried this could be just a starter. More draconian bans in the name of law could be lurking around the corner."&nbsp;

It is also not clear how a face mask ban would be enforceable.&nbsp;

Since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003, face masks have become ubiquitous in Hong Kong.

Even moderate protesters have already shown a willingness to break the law in huge numbers, appearing at unsanctioned rallies in their tens of thousands.

Simon Young, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, said a mask ban might deter some moderates from hitting the streets.

"But it could well have the effect of bringing more people out simply because they feel the need to protest against the exercise of executive authority," he told AFP.

Hong Kong's government was expected to meet Friday to discuss using a colonial-era emergency law to ban pro-democracy protesters from wearing face masks, a move opponents said would be a turning point that tips the financial hub towards authoritarianism.

Hong Kong's government was expected to meet Friday to discuss using a colonial-era emergency law to ban pro-democracy protesters from wearing face masks, a move opponents said would be a turning point that tips the financial hub towards authoritarianism. Hundreds of masked protesters, mostly office workers, rallied in the city's commercial district ahead of the expected ban while activists have vowed another long weekend of flash-mob protests. Seething public anger against Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city has exploded into huge demonstrations and increasingly violent confrontations, with no sign of an end to nearly four months of unrest. Protesters have used face masks to avoid identification -- along with yellow helmets, goggles and respirators to protect themselves from tear gas and police projectiles. Local media reported embattled leader Carrie Lam was expected to meet her cabinet on Friday morning to decide whether they should enact the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban all face coverings. If passed, the ban would likely be announced later in the afternoon and come into force at midnight, a government source told the South China Morning Post. But protesters have vowed to defy the law. Watch: Hong Kong protesters hit police station with petrol bombs × "Youngsters are risking their lives, they don't mind being jailed for ten years, so wearing masks is not a problem," a 34-year-old officer worker wearing a surgical mask, who gave her first name Mary, told AFP at a protest on Friday afternoon. The expected ban comes after Hong Kong was rocked by the worst violence on the summer on Tuesday, the same day China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule. Street battles raged for hours between riot police and hardcore protesters while a teenager who was part of a group that attacked police with umbrellas and poles was shot in the chest with a live round -- the first such shooting since the protests began. Protesters have increasingly resorted to hurling bricks and Molotov cocktails while police are firing tear gas and rubber bullets with unprecedented frequency. On Friday the city's subway system said 83 of its 91 underground stations had been vandalised in recent months after protesters turned on the operator because it began shutting down some stations ahead of large protests. 'Watershed moment' Pro-establishment lawmakers and a prominent police officer association have ramped up their calls for the government to invoke the emergency laws, which were last used 52 years ago by the British during deadly leftist riots. The law allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in the event of an emergency or public danger without the need to go via's the city's parliament. During the 1967 riots -- a period where more than 50 people were killed in a year-long leftist bombing and murder spree -- the British used the ERO to give police extra powers of arrest and rolled out widespread censorship of the press. Government supporters say emergency powers are needed to combat the increased violence of hardcore protesters. But critics have countered that bypassing the legislature and giving Lam the power to make any law would be a slippery slope for an international finance hub that owes its economic success to its reputation for rule of law and judicial independence. "This is a watershed. This is a Rubicon," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told AFP. "And I'm worried this could be just a starter. More draconian bans in the name of law could be lurking around the corner." It is also not clear how a face mask ban would be enforceable. Since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003, face masks have become ubiquitous in Hong Kong. Even moderate protesters have already shown a willingness to break the law in huge numbers, appearing at unsanctioned rallies in their tens of thousands. Simon Young, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, said a mask ban might deter some moderates from hitting the streets. "But it could well have the effect of bringing more people out simply because they feel the need to protest against the exercise of executive authority," he told AFP.

New protests as Hong Kong government mulls face mask ban

Hong Kong's government was expected to meet Friday to discuss using a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-set-to-ban-face-masks-in-bid-to-curb-violence-media-253483"> colonial-era emergency law </a>to ban pro-democracy protesters from wearing face masks, in a move opponents said would be a turning point that tips the financial hub into authoritarianism.

Seething public anger against Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city has exploded into huge demonstrations and increasingly violent confrontations, with no sign of an end to nearly four months of unrest.

Protesters have used face masks to avoid identification -- along with yellow helmets, goggles and respirators to protect themselves from tear gas and police projectiles.

Local media reported embattled leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investors-keep-their-faith-in-hong-kong-markets-despite-protests-253372">Carrie Lam </a>was expected to meet her cabinet on Friday morning to decide whether they should enact the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban all face coverings.

If passed, the ban would likely be announced later in the afternoon and come into force at midnight, a government source told the South China Morning Post.

The expected ban comes after Hong Kong was rocked by the worst violence on the summer on Tuesday, the same day China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule.

Street battles raged for hours between riot police and hardcore protesters while a teenager who was part of a group that attacked police with umbrellas and poles was shot in the chest with a live round -- the first such shooting since the protests began.

Watch: Hong Kong protesters hit police station with petrol bombs

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-hit-police-station-with-petrol-bombs-253357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Pro-establishment lawmakers and a prominent police officer association have ramped up their calls for the government to invoke the emergency laws, which were last used 52 years ago by the British during deadly leftist riots.&nbsp;

The law allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in the event of an emergency or public danger without the need to go via's the city's parliament.

During the 1967 riots -- a period where more than 50 people were killed in a year-long leftist bombing and murder spree -- the British used the ERO to give police extra powers of arrest and rolled out widespread censorship of the press.

Government supporters say emergency powers are needed to combat the increased violence of hardcore protesters.

But critics have countered that bypassing the legislature and giving Lam the power to make any law would be a slippery slope for an international finance hub that owes its economic success to its reputation for rule of law and judicial independence.

"This is a watershed. This is a Rubicon," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told AFP.

"And I'm worried this could be just a starter. More draconian bans in the name of law could be lurking around the corner," she added.&nbsp;

It is also not clear how a face mask ban would be enforceable.&nbsp;

Since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003 that killed more than 300 people, face masks have become ubiquitous in Hong Kong.

Even moderate protesters have already shown a willingness to break the law in huge numbers, repeatedly defying police warnings to appear at unsanctioned rallies in their tens of thousands.

Hong Kong's government was expected to meet Friday to discuss using a colonial-era emergency law to ban pro-democracy protesters from wearing face masks, in a move opponents said would be a turning point that tips the financial hub into authoritarianism.

Hong Kong's government was expected to meet Friday to discuss using a colonial-era emergency law to ban pro-democracy protesters from wearing face masks, in a move opponents said would be a turning point that tips the financial hub into authoritarianism. Seething public anger against Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city has exploded into huge demonstrations and increasingly violent confrontations, with no sign of an end to nearly four months of unrest. Protesters have used face masks to avoid identification -- along with yellow helmets, goggles and respirators to protect themselves from tear gas and police projectiles. Local media reported embattled leader Carrie Lam was expected to meet her cabinet on Friday morning to decide whether they should enact the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban all face coverings. If passed, the ban would likely be announced later in the afternoon and come into force at midnight, a government source told the South China Morning Post. The expected ban comes after Hong Kong was rocked by the worst violence on the summer on Tuesday, the same day China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule. Street battles raged for hours between riot police and hardcore protesters while a teenager who was part of a group that attacked police with umbrellas and poles was shot in the chest with a live round -- the first such shooting since the protests began. Watch: Hong Kong protesters hit police station with petrol bombs × Pro-establishment lawmakers and a prominent police officer association have ramped up their calls for the government to invoke the emergency laws, which were last used 52 years ago by the British during deadly leftist riots. The law allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in the event of an emergency or public danger without the need to go via's the city's parliament. During the 1967 riots -- a period where more than 50 people were killed in a year-long leftist bombing and murder spree -- the British used the ERO to give police extra powers of arrest and rolled out widespread censorship of the press. Government supporters say emergency powers are needed to combat the increased violence of hardcore protesters. But critics have countered that bypassing the legislature and giving Lam the power to make any law would be a slippery slope for an international finance hub that owes its economic success to its reputation for rule of law and judicial independence. "This is a watershed. This is a Rubicon," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told AFP. "And I'm worried this could be just a starter. More draconian bans in the name of law could be lurking around the corner," she added. It is also not clear how a face mask ban would be enforceable. Since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003 that killed more than 300 people, face masks have become ubiquitous in Hong Kong. Even moderate protesters have already shown a willingness to break the law in huge numbers, repeatedly defying police warnings to appear at unsanctioned rallies in their tens of thousands.

Hong Kong government to meet today to discuss face mask ban at protests

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday, October 4 invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong govt outlaws face masks at protests

WION Dispatch: Carrie Lam imposes emergency measures

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that any new government measures to cope with protests in Hong Kong must be grounded in law and protect the right to freedom of assembly.

Any use of force should be exceptional and only in compliance with international standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, U.N. human rights spokeswoman Marta Hurtado told a Geneva briefing.

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-carrie-lam-invokes-emergency-powers-to-try-to-quell-escalating-violence-253702">colonial-era emergency powers </a>on Friday for the first time in more than 50 years, in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Lam said a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-might-ban-face-masks-in-bid-to-curb-violence-253652">ban on face masks</a> would take effect on Saturday under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.

Hurtado, asked about the measures, said, "Any restriction must have a basis in law and be proportionate and as least intrusive as possible. Freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right and should be enjoyed without restriction to the greatest extent possible."

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-of-live-rounds-was-lawful-and-fair-hong-kong-police-defends-use-of-live-ammunition-253181"> use of firearms</a> was only acceptable as a "last resort", and only to protect against an immediate threat, she added.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that any new government measures to cope with protests in Hong Kong must be grounded in law and protect the right to freedom of assembly.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday that any new government measures to cope with protests in Hong Kong must be grounded in law and protect the right to freedom of assembly. Any use of force should be exceptional and only in compliance with international standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, U.N. human rights spokeswoman Marta Hurtado told a Geneva briefing. Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers on Friday for the first time in more than 50 years, in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city. Lam said a ban on face masks would take effect on Saturday under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest. Hurtado, asked about the measures, said, "Any restriction must have a basis in law and be proportionate and as least intrusive as possible. Freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right and should be enjoyed without restriction to the greatest extent possible." The use of firearms was only acceptable as a "last resort", and only to protect against an immediate threat, she added.

Hong Kong must protect freedom of assembly: U.N. rights office

The colonial-era law that gives Hong Kong leader sweeping powers

Hong Kong's embattled leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-protests-as-hong-kong-government-mulls-face-mask-ban-253638">Carrie Lam</a> on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Lam, speaking at a news conference, said a ban on face masks would take effect on Saturday under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.

<a href="https://wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-to-meet-today-to-discuss-face-mask-ban-at-protests-253612">Many protesters</a> wear masks to hide their identity due to fears employers could face pressure to take action against them.

It was not clear how the government would implement the mask ban in a city where many of its 7.4 million residents wear them every day to protect against infection following the outbreak of the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003.

Four months of anti-government protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis since its handover to Beijing in 1997 and have created a serious challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Violence escalated on Tuesday, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, when police fired about 1,800 volleys of tear gas, 900 rubber bullets and six live bullets - one of which hit an 18-year-old.

The student, Tony Tsang, was shot at close range as he fought an officer with what appeared to be a white pole. He has been charged with rioting, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence, and assaulting an officer. Tsang is in stable condition in hospital.

The shooting enraged protesters who rampaged across the city, throwing petrol bombs, blocking roads and starting fires as police responded with tear gas.

'More serious'

Even before the new rules were confirmed, protests against them began across the Asian financial hub, with hundreds of office workers wearing masks gathering to march.

"Police brutality is becoming more serious and the set up of an anti-mask law is to threaten us from protesting," said one protester, who asked to be identified as just Chan, a 27-year-old financial industry worker.

Pro-Beijing groups had been pushing for legislation to ban face masks at demonstrations.

The protesters are angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy in the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997.

China dismisses accusations it is meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up anti-China sentiment.

What began as opposition to a proposed extradition law, that could have seen people sent for trial in mainland courts, has grown into a call for five demands, including universal suffrage and an inquiry into alleged police brutality.

The protests have been inflamed by the police shooting of a teenaged secondary school student on Tuesday during a clash, and more rallies are expected later in the evening and over the weekend.

Authorities have already loosened guidelines on the use of force by police, according to documents seen by Reuters.

(Reporting by Twinnie Siu, James Pomfret and Felix Tam; Writing by Farah Master; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree, Robert&nbsp;

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city. Lam, speaking at a news conference, said a ban on face masks would take effect on Saturday under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest. Many protesters wear masks to hide their identity due to fears employers could face pressure to take action against them. It was not clear how the government would implement the mask ban in a city where many of its 7.4 million residents wear them every day to protect against infection following the outbreak of the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003. Four months of anti-government protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis since its handover to Beijing in 1997 and have created a serious challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Violence escalated on Tuesday, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, when police fired about 1,800 volleys of tear gas, 900 rubber bullets and six live bullets - one of which hit an 18-year-old. The student, Tony Tsang, was shot at close range as he fought an officer with what appeared to be a white pole. He has been charged with rioting, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence, and assaulting an officer. Tsang is in stable condition in hospital. The shooting enraged protesters who rampaged across the city, throwing petrol bombs, blocking roads and starting fires as police responded with tear gas. 'More serious' Even before the new rules were confirmed, protests against them began across the Asian financial hub, with hundreds of office workers wearing masks gathering to march. "Police brutality is becoming more serious and the set up of an anti-mask law is to threaten us from protesting," said one protester, who asked to be identified as just Chan, a 27-year-old financial industry worker. Pro-Beijing groups had been pushing for legislation to ban face masks at demonstrations. The protesters are angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy in the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997. China dismisses accusations it is meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up anti-China sentiment. What began as opposition to a proposed extradition law, that could have seen people sent for trial in mainland courts, has grown into a call for five demands, including universal suffrage and an inquiry into alleged police brutality. The protests have been inflamed by the police shooting of a teenaged secondary school student on Tuesday during a clash, and more rallies are expected later in the evening and over the weekend. Authorities have already loosened guidelines on the use of force by police, according to documents seen by Reuters. (Reporting by Twinnie Siu, James Pomfret and Felix Tam; Writing by Farah Master; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree, Robert

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to quell escalating violence

After the 17th consecutive weekend of increasingly violent protests in Hong Kong, the first protester was wounded by a live bullet on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Eighteen-year-old student Tsang Chi-kin, one of a group of about a dozen students attacking a policeman who had become separated from his comrades, was shot in the chest as he struck the man with a metal pole. He is expected to survive.

A hundred other Hong Kongers, civilians and police, were treated in hospitals on the same day for injuries incurred during what the Beijing regime calls “riots”. &nbsp;

The violence has grown over the months, and sometimes that is an accurate description of what is going on in the streets. Even if the protesters are in the right, they are definitely a lot less non-violent than they were at the start.

What is remarkable (though rarely remarked upon) is the restraint shown by the police who, although employed by the Hong Kong city government, ultimately serve the repressive dictatorship in Beijing.

It’s only relative restraint, of course – we are not talking about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or ‘kindly British bobbies’ here – but during months of escalating violence, they have still managed not to kill anybody. Even on Tuesday, when the rest of China was marking the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic, the protests in Hong Kong continued and nobody died.

To understand how remarkable this is, ask yourself this. How many protesters would American police have killed by now if equally violent protests had been taking place in the streets of a major American city every weekend for the past four months?

This is not proof of how nice China’s rulers are. It’s evidence of how worried they are. They dare not make too many concessions to the protesters, but they want to avoid using major force against them—doing another Tiananmen Square massacre, so to speak – because they think the price would be very high. They are right about that.

When Britain returned the colony of Hong Kong to China in 1997, it was China’s main financial window on the world. That’s why it was granted a special status in China (‘one country, two systems’) for the next 50 years. It has free speech, the rule of law, all sorts of privileges that do not exist in the rest of China – but ultimately it must bow to Beijing.

Two decades later, its status as a global financial centre remains a major asset for the regime, but there are red lines that President Xi Jinping will never cross, like letting Hong Kong people choose their own government in a free election. This is now one of the protesters’ demands (although it wasn’t at the start), but it simply is not going to happen.

The Communist Party rules through carefully chosen, mostly non-Communist puppets in Hong Kong, but it does rule. As Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, explained in a private meeting with business leaders last month, her freedom of action is “very, very, very limited.”

She got into trouble in the first place by putting forward a new extradition law that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be tried in Chinese courts, where accused people have few rights and the conviction rate is 99 per cent. She probably did it against her own better judgement, but the orders came from above.

When the public pushed back, sensing that this could be the beginning of the end for Hong Kong’s relative freedom, Lam probably wanted to drop the matter, but it took her months to persuade Beijing to let her do it.&nbsp;

In June she “shelved” the law, in August she said it was “dead”, but only in early September did she actually get Beijing’s permission to withdraw it.

Too little, too late. By then the protests had escalated far beyond the specific law to sweeping demands for democracy in Hong Kong. Most people outside China will sympathise, but it cannot happen. The Communist regime’s first priority is its own survival, so it will not permit such an example to flourish on Chinese soil. &nbsp;

The protesters have won what they originally came out for: the withdrawal of the extradition law. Their other demands will never be granted, because they imperil the ultimate authority of the Communist Party. It’s time to collect their winnings and step away from the table.

If they don’t, Beijing will ultimately crush the protests no matter how much economic and reputational damage that does. In August it doubled the number of troops it keeps in Hong Kong under the guise of ‘rotating’ the garrison: the replacements came in, but the others didn’t actually leave. Sooner or later, if things go on like this, they will be used. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-collect-winnings-step-away-2794435">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

After the 17th consecutive weekend of increasingly violent protests in Hong Kong, the first protester was wounded by a live bullet on Tuesday. Eighteen-year-old student Tsang Chi-kin, one of a group of about a dozen students attacking a policeman who had become separated from his comrades, was shot in the chest as he struck the man with a metal pole.

After the 17th consecutive weekend of increasingly violent protests in Hong Kong, the first protester was wounded by a live bullet on Tuesday. Eighteen-year-old student Tsang Chi-kin, one of a group of about a dozen students attacking a policeman who had become separated from his comrades, was shot in the chest as he struck the man with a metal pole. He is expected to survive. A hundred other Hong Kongers, civilians and police, were treated in hospitals on the same day for injuries incurred during what the Beijing regime calls “riots”. The violence has grown over the months, and sometimes that is an accurate description of what is going on in the streets. Even if the protesters are in the right, they are definitely a lot less non-violent than they were at the start. What is remarkable (though rarely remarked upon) is the restraint shown by the police who, although employed by the Hong Kong city government, ultimately serve the repressive dictatorship in Beijing. It’s only relative restraint, of course – we are not talking about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or ‘kindly British bobbies’ here – but during months of escalating violence, they have still managed not to kill anybody. Even on Tuesday, when the rest of China was marking the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic, the protests in Hong Kong continued and nobody died. To understand how remarkable this is, ask yourself this. How many protesters would American police have killed by now if equally violent protests had been taking place in the streets of a major American city every weekend for the past four months? This is not proof of how nice China’s rulers are. It’s evidence of how worried they are. They dare not make too many concessions to the protesters, but they want to avoid using major force against them—doing another Tiananmen Square massacre, so to speak – because they think the price would be very high. They are right about that. When Britain returned the colony of Hong Kong to China in 1997, it was China’s main financial window on the world. That’s why it was granted a special status in China (‘one country, two systems’) for the next 50 years. It has free speech, the rule of law, all sorts of privileges that do not exist in the rest of China – but ultimately it must bow to Beijing. Two decades later, its status as a global financial centre remains a major asset for the regime, but there are red lines that President Xi Jinping will never cross, like letting Hong Kong people choose their own government in a free election. This is now one of the protesters’ demands (although it wasn’t at the start), but it simply is not going to happen. The Communist Party rules through carefully chosen, mostly non-Communist puppets in Hong Kong, but it does rule. As Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, explained in a private meeting with business leaders last month, her freedom of action is “very, very, very limited.” She got into trouble in the first place by putting forward a new extradition law that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be tried in Chinese courts, where accused people have few rights and the conviction rate is 99 per cent. She probably did it against her own better judgement, but the orders came from above. When the public pushed back, sensing that this could be the beginning of the end for Hong Kong’s relative freedom, Lam probably wanted to drop the matter, but it took her months to persuade Beijing to let her do it. In June she “shelved” the law, in August she said it was “dead”, but only in early September did she actually get Beijing’s permission to withdraw it. Too little, too late. By then the protests had escalated far beyond the specific law to sweeping demands for democracy in Hong Kong. Most people outside China will sympathise, but it cannot happen. The Communist regime’s first priority is its own survival, so it will not permit such an example to flourish on Chinese soil. The protesters have won what they originally came out for: the withdrawal of the extradition law. Their other demands will never be granted, because they imperil the ultimate authority of the Communist Party. It’s time to collect their winnings and step away from the table. If they don’t, Beijing will ultimately crush the protests no matter how much economic and reputational damage that does. In August it doubled the number of troops it keeps in Hong Kong under the guise of ‘rotating’ the garrison: the replacements came in, but the others didn’t actually leave. Sooner or later, if things go on like this, they will be used. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Hong Kong needs to understand that Chinese Communist regime’s first priority is its own survival

As anti-government protesters fought pitched battles with police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-at-school-of-hong-kong-protester-shot-by-police-253170">Hong Kong</a> streets last week, a group of bankers in another part of the city were busy taking in billions for the public float of the Asia unit of the world's largest brewer.

After a freeze during months of sometimes violent protests, Asia's top financial hub looks to be back in business. The stock market is off its lows, Hong Kong's love affair with property is undimmed and companies are forging ahead with listing plans. Budweiser Brewing Company APAC raised about $5 billion in its initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, making it the second-largest IPO in the world this year.

Bankers say at least three more major companies are set to list in Hong Kong this month, selling more than $3 billion (£2.44 billion) worth of new shares.

Hong Kong's status as a gateway for global capital flowing into and out of China, the world's second-largest economy, has seen many global banks and fund managers make its towering skyscrapers their regional homes.

"How does this (unrest) affect you buying exposure to a good asset that has a presence in China, and is growing? None of those things have any correlation with the Hong Kong protests," said a senior banker with a global investment bank.

"I don't think I have received even one phone call saying 'we shouldn't be doing this IPO because of what's happening in Hong Kong’," said the banker, declining to be named due to sensitivity of the issue.

Watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong protesters hit police station with petrol bombs

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-hit-police-station-with-petrol-bombs-253357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Companies raised $15 billion in new listings in Hong Kong in the first nine months of 2019, second only to New York, according to Refinitiv data. While the protests have hurt tourism and retail sectors, threatening to send Hong Kong into its first recession in a decade, its proximity to the massive Chinese market and locally listed firms' presence there are more important, bankers and analysts say.

Already, the Hong Kong stock market has shown signs of steadying after initial falls as equity investors look for bargain hunting opportunities, they said.

The benchmark Hang Seng stock index rallied about 1.4 per cent last month but is still down 6.1 per cent since mid-June when the unrest began.

"I think people are getting used to the weekly events," Steven Leung, executive director for institutional sales at brokerage UOB Kay Hian, said of the protests. "The impact was seen in the initial one to two months in share prices, and mostly in retail, property and tourism," he said. "(But) the index mostly reflects the onshore Chinese market and economy. Hong Kong companies' share is not that big."

Fundraising Needs

What started as protests over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial have evolved into broader calls for greater democracy, among other demands in Hong Kong.

Demonstrators are frustrated at what they see as Beijing's tightening grip over the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.

After the initial nervousness about the unrest, things are looking up again in the financial markets, partly aided by hopes that Beijing would not take any step that would imperil the prospects of its only offshore financial centre, analysts said.

"The question is whether people think there is a replacement. Hong Kong still has quite a big investor pool," said Gary Ng, an economist at Natixis.

As many as 40 companies have filed IPO applications with the Hong Kong stock exchange in September, according to information available on its website, the highest pace of filing since March this year.

In addition to the Budweiser APAC IPO, Topsports International Holdings, the sportswear business of Chinese footwear retailer Belle International, last week launched a Hong Kong IPO of up to $1.2 billion. Companies expected to launch Hong Kong IPOs within a month include ESR Cayman Ltd, a developer and manager of logistics facilities, planning to raise about $1 billion, and a $1 billion-plus float of Prague-based consumer lender Home Credit. ESR and Home Credit declined to comment.

"A deal can always get done if the price is right, no matter what the market conditions are," said James Wang, co-head of equity capital markets in Asia ex-Japan, at Goldman Sachs, referring to the broader IPO market. "An IPO's timetable is driven more by the company's need to raise capital so in most cases, market conditions have to be severe to override that need and delay a deal."

Solid Demand

Investors including sovereign wealth funds and large global funds that invested in recent offerings are enthused by the lower valuations as well as long term business prospects, bankers said.

Budweiser, which relaunched its IPO last month after cancelling plans for a bigger float in July, priced the offering at the low end of the indicative range.

E-commerce giant Alibaba Group in August also delayed plans for a $15 billion listing in Hong Kong because of the political turmoil.

But such caution has not badly dented the demand for new and listed stocks.

In another sign of solid demand, net purchases on southbound stock connect that allows mainland-based investors to buy Hong Kong stocks - reached $8 billion in August, the most since January 2018. Other markets in Hong Kong are also holding up.

Demand from homebuyers in the world's most expensive property market has shown little signs of weakening due to the protests. Property firm Wheelock sold 80 per cent of its 816 flats in the development since late August, lower than sales at other launches this year, but "still good" given the current environment, property agents said.

Still, other factors including the US-Sino trade war and slowing global growth have been affecting financial markets and asset prices in Hong Kong, as they have elsewhere.

Sean Taylor, APAC chief investment officer at fund manager DWS said Hong Kong could benefit more than most if China and the United States reach an agreement on trade. In the meantime, investors needed to be patient.

"You've got to accept the situation that tourism levels are down, retail sales are down, property prices may come down a bit – you're going to be in a slow environment for a while," Taylor said.

As anti-government protesters fought pitched battles with police in Hong Kong streets last week, a group of bankers in another part of the city were busy taking in billions for the public float of the Asia unit of the world's largest brewer.

As anti-government protesters fought pitched battles with police in Hong Kong streets last week, a group of bankers in another part of the city were busy taking in billions for the public float of the Asia unit of the world's largest brewer. After a freeze during months of sometimes violent protests, Asia's top financial hub looks to be back in business. The stock market is off its lows, Hong Kong's love affair with property is undimmed and companies are forging ahead with listing plans. Budweiser Brewing Company APAC raised about $5 billion in its initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, making it the second-largest IPO in the world this year. Bankers say at least three more major companies are set to list in Hong Kong this month, selling more than $3 billion (£2.44 billion) worth of new shares. Hong Kong's status as a gateway for global capital flowing into and out of China, the world's second-largest economy, has seen many global banks and fund managers make its towering skyscrapers their regional homes. "How does this (unrest) affect you buying exposure to a good asset that has a presence in China, and is growing? None of those things have any correlation with the Hong Kong protests," said a senior banker with a global investment bank. "I don't think I have received even one phone call saying 'we shouldn't be doing this IPO because of what's happening in Hong Kong’," said the banker, declining to be named due to sensitivity of the issue. Watch: Hong Kong protesters hit police station with petrol bombs × Companies raised $15 billion in new listings in Hong Kong in the first nine months of 2019, second only to New York, according to Refinitiv data. While the protests have hurt tourism and retail sectors, threatening to send Hong Kong into its first recession in a decade, its proximity to the massive Chinese market and locally listed firms' presence there are more important, bankers and analysts say. Already, the Hong Kong stock market has shown signs of steadying after initial falls as equity investors look for bargain hunting opportunities, they said. The benchmark Hang Seng stock index rallied about 1.4 per cent last month but is still down 6.1 per cent since mid-June when the unrest began. "I think people are getting used to the weekly events," Steven Leung, executive director for institutional sales at brokerage UOB Kay Hian, said of the protests. "The impact was seen in the initial one to two months in share prices, and mostly in retail, property and tourism," he said. "(But) the index mostly reflects the onshore Chinese market and economy. Hong Kong companies' share is not that big." Fundraising Needs What started as protests over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial have evolved into broader calls for greater democracy, among other demands in Hong Kong. Demonstrators are frustrated at what they see as Beijing's tightening grip over the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. After the initial nervousness about the unrest, things are looking up again in the financial markets, partly aided by hopes that Beijing would not take any step that would imperil the prospects of its only offshore financial centre, analysts said. "The question is whether people think there is a replacement. Hong Kong still has quite a big investor pool," said Gary Ng, an economist at Natixis. As many as 40 companies have filed IPO applications with the Hong Kong stock exchange in September, according to information available on its website, the highest pace of filing since March this year. In addition to the Budweiser APAC IPO, Topsports International Holdings, the sportswear business of Chinese footwear retailer Belle International, last week launched a Hong Kong IPO of up to $1.2 billion. Companies expected to launch Hong Kong IPOs within a month include ESR Cayman Ltd, a developer and manager of logistics facilities, planning to raise about $1 billion, and a $1 billion-plus float of Prague-based consumer lender Home Credit. ESR and Home Credit declined to comment. "A deal can always get done if the price is right, no matter what the market conditions are," said James Wang, co-head of equity capital markets in Asia ex-Japan, at Goldman Sachs, referring to the broader IPO market. "An IPO's timetable is driven more by the company's need to raise capital so in most cases, market conditions have to be severe to override that need and delay a deal." Solid Demand Investors including sovereign wealth funds and large global funds that invested in recent offerings are enthused by the lower valuations as well as long term business prospects, bankers said. Budweiser, which relaunched its IPO last month after cancelling plans for a bigger float in July, priced the offering at the low end of the indicative range. E-commerce giant Alibaba Group in August also delayed plans for a $15 billion listing in Hong Kong because of the political turmoil. But such caution has not badly dented the demand for new and listed stocks. In another sign of solid demand, net purchases on southbound stock connect that allows mainland-based investors to buy Hong Kong stocks - reached $8 billion in August, the most since January 2018. Other markets in Hong Kong are also holding up. Demand from homebuyers in the world's most expensive property market has shown little signs of weakening due to the protests. Property firm Wheelock sold 80 per cent of its 816 flats in the development since late August, lower than sales at other launches this year, but "still good" given the current environment, property agents said. Still, other factors including the US-Sino trade war and slowing global growth have been affecting financial markets and asset prices in Hong Kong, as they have elsewhere. Sean Taylor, APAC chief investment officer at fund manager DWS said Hong Kong could benefit more than most if China and the United States reach an agreement on trade. In the meantime, investors needed to be patient. "You've got to accept the situation that tourism levels are down, retail sales are down, property prices may come down a bit – you're going to be in a slow environment for a while," Taylor said.

Investors keep their faith in Hong Kong markets despite protests

hong-kong-protest

Hong Kong Protest, News on Hong Kong Protest, stories on Hong Kong Protest, articles on Hong Kong Protest, Hong Kong Protest stories at Wion, Hong Kong Protest news, Hong Kong Protest latest news

hong kong-protest