Hong Kong protest-related MTR closures challenged in court
- The closures of stations near protest sites were unprecedented during months of recent anti-government unrest
- Former civil servant applies for judicial review against MTR Corporation, saying its actions led to clashes with police
Hong Kong’s railway operator was on Wednesday hit with a legal challenge against its suspension of services over the weekend, which allegedly left anti-government protesters stranded on the streets, resulting in disturbances.
Referring to violent clashes in east Kowloon last week, he said: “All of that was caused by the MTR Corporation.”
Kwok named MTR Corp chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen as one of the two respondents. But instead of recently appointed CEO Jacob Kam Chak-pui, Kwok named his predecessor Lincoln Leong Kwok-kuen as the other respondent. He later said it was a mistake and he had been unaware of the changes at the top of the company.
Just before another round of anti-government protests began at the weekend, the MTR Corp announced it would suspend some services, and closed train stations in and near affected areas.