For the first time in more than 50 years, Hong Kong's leader has used emergency powers to ban the use of masks at city protests.
At a news conference on Friday, Hong Kong Chief executive Carrie Lam said the ban on face masks would take effect as of Saturday.
"I would say we are now in rather extensive and serious public danger.
The objective of this regulation is to end violence and restore ordinance and I believe
this is now the brought consensus of Hong Kong people."
She also said that she would continue with public dialogue to find solutions to the deep-seated social problems in Hong Kong.
Under the new law, those wearing masks at protests could get a jail term of up to one year or a fine of some 25,000 Hong Kong dollars, which is approximately 3,200 U.S. dollars.
As the word of the ban spread on Friday, hundreds of people took to the streets in downtown Hong Kong, denouncing the mask ban, calling it the suppression of their freedom.
At a news conference on Friday, Hong Kong Chief executive Carrie Lam said the ban on face masks would take effect as of Saturday.
"I would say we are now in rather extensive and serious public danger.
The objective of this regulation is to end violence and restore ordinance and I believe
this is now the brought consensus of Hong Kong people."
She also said that she would continue with public dialogue to find solutions to the deep-seated social problems in Hong Kong.
Under the new law, those wearing masks at protests could get a jail term of up to one year or a fine of some 25,000 Hong Kong dollars, which is approximately 3,200 U.S. dollars.
As the word of the ban spread on Friday, hundreds of people took to the streets in downtown Hong Kong, denouncing the mask ban, calling it the suppression of their freedom.
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