Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Saturday denounced the extreme acts by rioters last night, saying "the extreme acts of the rioters brought dark hours to Hong Kong last night."

According to the Hong Kong police, some radical protesters committed destructive acts extensively across 14 districts, including Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories, after the government introduced the anti-mask law, leaving the international financial hub "semi-paralyzed." They've set fires, smashed up glass panels of shops and vandalized facilities at several Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations. 

In Yuen Long, one police officer even got burned by petrol bombs after being sieged by a group of rioters.

Hong Kong Police: An officer opened fire while under attack in Yuen Long

Hong Kong Police: Radical protesters commit destructive acts

Hong Kong MTR rail services remain suspended amid heavy violence

The SAR government could no longer tolerate rioters destroying the city, Lam said during a broadcast video statement, appealing for residents' support to end months-long unrest.

"Everyone is worried, anxious and even in fear. The HKSAR Government will curb the violence with the greatest determination," she said, while defending of the newly-established "anti-mask law."

The Hong Kong High Court on Friday evening dismissed an application for an emergency injunction to halt the "anti-mask law," which banned people from wearing masks during public assemblies.

"Although no one can guarantee that the regulation will successfully bring the violent situation to a complete stop, the court considered that the regulation and its objectives are related," Lam said in the broadcast.

According to Lam, the Hong Kong High Court believes there are needs to control the unlawful assemblies and the large scale assemblies through this new regulation, and even some lawful ones, as some radical protesters may have deviated from their planned routes and resorted to violence.

In an interview on Saturday, Secretary for Security of HKSAR John Lee elaborated on the regulation, noting that it's just a way to ensure those who've conducted violent acts against innocent people can be punished in accordance with law.

"The introduction of the anti-mask regulation is to make sure that those who commit crimes and commit violence will have to face justice, so that they cannot hide behind their masks to escape their responsibilities."

During the same interview, Secretary for Justice of HKSAR Teresa Cheng stressed that the emphasis Hong Kong law put onto the preservation of human rights.

"The Prohibition of Face Covering Regulation has already taken rights including free speech, free assemblies and privacy into consideration," Cheng said, yet pointing out that these rights are not absolute and thus approriate limitations are added.

The Friday move added Hong Kong to the list of countries and regions, including France, Canada, and the United States, with 15 states implementing such a law.

In Canada, those breaking the anti-mask law during a riot or unlawful assembly face up to 10 years in prison; while in France, face-covering headgear like masks, helmets, and balaclavas are strictly prohibited in public places. Violators face one year behind bars and up to 15,000 euros in fines.

Click here for more on "anti-mask law" around the world

Experts say the "anti-mask law" could assist police in attempting to identify people who engage in vandalism or other illegal acts, so as to deter lawful protests from turning into riots. The law could also give police an added tool to protect themselves from being attacked without rioters being punished.