Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

Over half of MTR stations remain closed as Hong Kong protesters call for '3-million-strong' march

Hong Kong protesters have called another mass demonstration on Sunday to oppose a ban on masks at protests, which was enacted by Chief Executive Carrie Lam via emergency legislation and came into effect the day before

A rally will be held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay at 2pm to express support for Veby Indah, an Indonesian journalist who was blinded by a rubber bullet last week.

Protesters will then march from the SOGO department store in Causeway Bay to Chater Garden in Central.

Also at 2pm, some protesters said they plan to march from Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui to Maple Street Playground in Sham Shui Po.

Protesters have called for a turnout of “three million” as a show of strength. The largest demonstration since the movement began in June had a turnout of approximately two million, according to organisers.

Skeleton MTR service

Following an unprecedented full shutdown on Saturday, the MTR Corporation announced that it would reopen 45 of its 93 stations on Sunday.

See also: Explainer: ‘The Communist Party’s Railway’ – How Hong Kong’s once-respected MTR fell afoul of protesters

Most MTR stations near protest hotspots remain closed, including Causeway Bay, Admiralty, Central, Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.

Saturday unrest

Hong Kong on Saturday came to a near standstill as banks, convenience stores, shopping malls and the MTR closed for the day. Scattered protests took place during the day, with several hundred people marching from Causeway Bay to Central.

More clashes broke out as night fell, with protesters spotted in Yuen Long, Wong Tai Sin, Sheung Shui and Mong Kok. Demonstrators built makeshift barricades and vandalised Chinese-owned shops and banks, before being dispersed by riot police.

At around 2am on Sunday, students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong reported that over 40 riot police officers entered their campus without notifying the school. Police took five students to the university’s MTR station for body searches, while pointing pepper spray at onlookers.

Armed police officers in riot gear were also spotted at Tuen Mun Hospital, where a 14-year-old protester was receiving medical treatment after being shot with a live round. The Hospital Authority said it had already “expressed concern” to the force, saying that there was a worry that a police presence could interfere with hospital operations.

Legal challenge

At 1:15pm on Sunday, the High Court refused – for the second time in three days – to grant an urgent injunction against the government’s mask ban, but said the full judicial review would likely be heard this month.

Reasons for the decision will be given on Tuesday, but the government’s mask ban will remain in effect in the meantime.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×