Protests Erupt Across SAR Ahead Of Anti-mask Law

Tear gas was fired in several districts as widespread protests broke out across Hong Kong, hours before the anti-mask law comes into force at midnight.

Multiple rounds of tear gas hit Aberdeen, Causeway Bay and Wong Tai Sin.

Roadblocks were set up on various roads in Central, Shatin and Wong Tai Sin; and protesters occupied and marched along major streets in other areas like Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. Protesters also blocked lanes entering the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, hindering Kowloon-bound traffic.

Protesters have also vandalised shops and restaurants operated by the Maxims Group across Hong Kong.

Many MTR stations were closed because of damage to station facilities. The MTR Corporation said it made the decision after the stations were vandalised and out of concern that the safety of passengers and staff might be compromised.

At Shatin MTR station, a fire sprinkler was triggered and water was seen gushing from the ceiling. In Lok Fu, masked protesters were seen smashing a CCTV camera into pieces and in Kwun Tong, some ticket gates and machines had been broken.

The rail company has become a regular target of vandals, as anti-government protesters see it as siding with the police.

Protesters also set fire to barricades at an MTR exit in Causeway Bay.

Riot police were seen clearing roads in Wong Tai Sin and Yuen Long. But so far, no confrontations with protesters have taken place.