Mask ban triggers protests in Hong Kong

The mask had concealed the identities of all the protesters who had kept the Communist Party in power across the border in mainland China, where high-tech surveillance including facial recognition technology is ubiquitous.

Hong Kong: Hundreds of masked protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Friday challenging the Chief Executive Carrie Lam's announcement of mask ban in the territory.

During a news conference, Lam not only called out for mask ban but also denounced the increase of violence after four months of anti-government demonstrations. The ban was imposed under a colonial-era Emergency Ordinance which was used over half a century ago.

However, the protesters tagged it 'irrational and unreasonable' but the ban reflected the toughening of the government stand. The announcement clearly states that anyone wearing full or partial face coverings including face paint at any kind of public gatherings will have to face a one-year jail term.

The face mask is considered as a hallmark for the protesters in Hong Kong even at peaceful marches.

The mask ban, imposed under a colonial-era Emergency Ordinance, takes effect Saturday and applies to people at 'illegal' gatherings who use violence and exempts those who wear masks for 'legitimate need'.

Lam said she would go to the legislature later to get legal backing for the rule.

According to Lam, the mask had concealed the identities of all the protesters who had kept the Communist Party in power across the border in mainland China, where high-tech surveillance including facial recognition technology is ubiquitous.

Protesters began marching in the city business district and other areas before Lam spoke. The rally grew in the evening as protesters vowed they would not be intimidated. Some used metal railings to block roads downtown, vandalized subway stations and set street fires, including burning a Chinese flag. Some malls and subway stations were shut.