Hong Kong invokes emergency powers to ban masks during protests

HONG KONG: Hong Kong invoked emergency powers for the first time in more than half a century to ban face masks for protesters after months of unrest, prompting demonstrators to occupy downtown streets. Chief executive Carrie Lam said on Friday the move was necessary to stem increased violence in recent weeks, including attacks by protesters using petrol bombs, corrosive liquids and other weapons. The prohibition on face masks will deter violence and help police enforce the law, she said, adding that the measure didn’t mean Hong Kong was under a state of emergency.

As Lam spoke, protesters began gathering in Hong Kong’s Central district and occupying major boulevards.

Shops closed early in anticipation that demonstrations would grow violent, similar to clashes between police and protesters in recent weeks. “The violence is destroying Hong Kong,” Lam told reporters, flanked by 16 members of her Cabinet. “We must save the present Hong Kong and the future Hong Kong.”


Lam called the situation “fluid” and said the government may consider additional measures if the situation worsened. She asked the international community to respond “in a comprehensive and impartial manner”.

“I don’t see how you could relate this to a step closer to authoritarianism,” Lam said in response to a question. “This is a responsible act to deal with an extremely difficult situation, which I hope the world has sympathy.”

The face mask has become a symbol of resistance among protesters who fear retribution if they are identified: China has applied pressure to businesses such as Cathay Pacific Airways to fire employees who participate in demonstrations.

The move comes shortly after a protester was shot on October 1, as President Xi Jinping celebrated 70 years of Communist rule in Beijing.