Anti-government protesters wear masks during a demonstration at Mong Kok after the ban on face masks was announced. Shopping malls, banks and shops across Hong Kong island had closed early in anticipation of violence as some protesters burned Chinese flags and chanted "You burn with us", and "Hong Kongers, revolt". "They can make use of the emergency law to enact any policies or laws that the government wants. The U.N. human rights office said Hong Kong must protect the right to freedom of assembly and Britain urged its former colony not to aggravate tension. But Hong Kong shares fell on Friday, hitting one-month lows.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 04, 2019 21:22 UTC