Hong Kong’s looming ban on face masks drives protesters to the streets

Hong Kong's leader has invoked rarely-used emergency powers to ban people from wearing face masks during public assemblies, a move likely to infuriate the thousands of mainly young people involved in the months-long protest movement, Report informs citing the RIA Novosti.

Earlier, the head of the Hong Kong administration Carrie Lam announced the decision of the authorities to impose a ban on the wearing of masks during protests and other mass gatherings. The ban will take effect by this midnight local time. Those who violate the ban can be sentenced to up to a year in prison or a fine of HK $ 25,000 (us $ 3.2 thousand).

A number of activists have already announced their intention to seek judicial review on the relevant decision by the Executive Council.

Lam expressed hope that the ban would have a deterrent effect on young people, and the work of law enforcement agencies would become more effective.

The new law bans people from wearing facial coverings that obscure their identity, including paint, at unauthorized or authorized protests, or public processions. Lam said the regulation contains exemptions for people who do have legitimate reasons to wear face coverings -- such as for religious, medical, or professional purposes.

According to the head of the administration, about 400 protests have been held in the city over the past 4 months, that injured more than 1.1 thousand people, including 300 police officers.