Shot teen charged, HK govt considers banning face masks
HONG KONG : The teenager who was the first victim of police gunfire in Hong Kong’s monthslong pro-democracy protests was charged on Thursday with rioting and attacking police, as calls grew for the government to ban the wearing of masks to subdue rising violence in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.
The shooting of the 18-year-old on Tuesday during widespread clashes marred China’s National Day celebration and marked an alarming escalation in violence in the unrest that has rocked one of the world’s top financial hubs since June.
Local media reported that Chief Executive Carrie Lam will hold a special Executive Council meeting on Friday to discuss a ban on masks, which have helped protesters conceal their identities, and other tough measures under a colonial-era emergency law.
Lam’s office said it had no comment. Pro-Beijing legislator Michael Tien confirmed the meeting. Activists and some lawmakers warned that such harsh measures would only further alienate the people and could prompt a more ferocious backlash.
Anger against the government has built up since Tsang Chi Kin was shot at close range after he struck a police officer with a rod.
Tsang was among seven people charged Thursday with rioting, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.