Thousands oppose mask ban

Lam imposes colonial-era law

THOUSANDS of defiant masked protesters streamed into Hong Kong streets yesterday after the city’s embattled leader invoked rarely used emergency powers to ban masks at rallies in a hardening of the government’s stance after four months of anti-government demonstrations.

Challenging the ban by Carrie Lam set to take effect today, protesters crammed streets in the city, shouting: “Hong Kong people, resist.”

Lam said at a news conference that the mask ban, imposed under a colonial-era Emergency Ordinance and last used over half a decade ago, targets violent protesters and rioters and “will be an effective deterrent to radical behaviour”.

She stressed that it didn’t mean the semi-autonomous Chinese territory was in a state of emergency. She said she would later go to the legislature to get legal backing for the rule.

“We must save Hong Kong, the present Hong Kong and the future Hong Kong,” she said. “We must stop the violence.”

Two activists have filed legal challenges in court on grounds that the mask ban would instill fear and curtail freedom of speech and assembly. The ban makes the wearing of full or partial face coverings, including face paint, at public gatherings punishable by a one-year jail term. A six-month jail term could also be imposed on people who refuse a police officer’s order to remove a face covering.

Masks will be permitted when their wearers can prove that they need them for work, health or religious reasons.

“Will they arrest 10000 people on the street? The government is trying to intimidate us, but at this moment I don’t think the people will be scared,” said a protester who gave his surname as Lui.

Face masks have become a hallmark for protesters in Hong Kong, even at peaceful marches, amid fears of retribution at work or of being denied access to schooling, public housing and other government services.

Analysts said the use of the Emergency Ordinance set a dangerous precedent. The law, a relic of British rule enacted in 1922 to quell a seamen’s strike, gives broad powers to the city’s chief executive to implement regulations in an emergency.

The ban followed widespread violence in the city on Tuesday that marred China’s National Day and included a police officer shooting a protester. |

FAZRY ISMAIL EPA-EFE A COMBINATION picture shows protesters wearing face masks during a protest against an anti-mask law meant to deter anti-government protesters, in Hong Kong, yesterday. |