Hong Kong, Oct 11: Metro and legislature services in Hong Kong resumed on Friday for the very first time in a week, ahead of further anti-government protests planned in the territory at the weekend, as the legislature kicked-off its working-level session since Hong Kong protesters stormed the building in June.
According to Al-Jazeera, the pro-democratic lawmakers, wearing black masks, sat in the chamber with others holding hoardings: “Police brutality still exists, how can we have a meeting?”
Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday warned the Chinese military intervention can not be ruled out if the pertaining situation in Hong Kong escalates.
In a weekly media conference, Lam told the press she seeks to reach a peaceful arrangement to the ongoing mass anti-government protests, excluding the Chinese intervention.
China’s security forces on Sunday issued a warning to the anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, during the first interaction since protests erupted in the territory four months ago against a controversial extradition bill that would allow suspects in the city to be sent to mainland China for court prosecution.
This was the first time when Hong Kong protesters met with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Kowloon district, when the force cautioned anti-government protesters that they could detain them for targeting its personnel and barrack walls with laser lights.
On last Friday, Lam announced the mask ban at an afternoon media conference, banning Hong Kong protesters from wearing masks while demonstrating in the city against a controversial extradition bill that would allow suspects in the territory to be sent to mainland China.
The ban followed widespread civil unrest in the city last Tuesday – when China celebrated its 70th anniversary of Communist Rule, which also includes a teenager getting shot by riot police in the chest during the clash between anti-government protesters and Hong Kong police.