After a night of rioting, Chief Executive Carrie Lam calls on Hong Kong residents to condemn violence.
In a video statement released Saturday afternoon local time, Chief Executive Carrie Lam slammed Friday night's violence, which was prompted in part by a ban on face masks that Lam had announced earlier Friday.
The ban came into force at midnight local time, but not before numerous restaurants and stores that protesters believed were pro-China were trashed, including Starbucks, because they partnered with local pro-China partner Maxim's. Multiple Hong Kong subway stations were completely vandalized, and entrances were set on fire leading to the entire system shutting down for the first time in history.
On Friday Lam said the escalation in violence during the protests"has reached a very alarming level in the past few days, causing numerous injuries and leading Hong Kong to a chaotic and panic situation." The anti-mask law targets"rioters or those who resort to violence," Lam said, and it contains exemptions for those who have legitimate needs or reasons to cover their face, such as for health, religious or professional reasons.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Latest: Lam to speak amid reports of Hong Kong mask banHONG KONG (AP) — The Latest on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests (all times local): 1:30 p.m. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon amid reports...
Read more »
Carrie Lam invokes emergency laws in Hong KongThe emergency laws allow the chief executive to issue “any regulations whatsoever” in case of “emergency or public danger”
Read more »
The Latest: Lam decries 'very dark day' for Hong KongHong Kong's embattled leader describes overnight rioting 'as a very dark day' for the semi-autonomous territory and says 'everyone is worried and scared.'
Read more »
Hong Kong's Lam says 'extreme violence' justified use of emergency powersHong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Saturday 'extreme violence' in the...
Read more »
Hong Kong's Lam says 'extreme violence' justified use of emergency powersHong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Saturday 'extreme violence' in the...
Read more »
Hong Kong metro stays shut after night of violent protestsHong Kong's metro system will stay shut on Saturday, the rail operator said...
Read more »