Thousands march as Hong Kong government mulls face mask ban

Hong Kong: Thousands of masked protesters marched through Hong Kong on Friday as the government readied to use emergency powers to ban face coverings in a bid to put an end to months of violent protests.

Large crowds of mostly office workers hit the streets during the workday lunch break over the pro-Beijing regime’s expected use of colonial-era laws that opponents said would tip the city towards authoritarianism.

Seething public anger against Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city has exploded into huge demonstrations and increasingly violent confrontations, with no sign of an end to nearly four months of unrest, and activists vowing an 18th consecutive weekend of protests.

Protesters have used face masks to avoid identification – along with yellow helmets, goggles and respirators to protect themselves from tear gas and police projectiles.

Multiple local media outlets reported embattled leader Carrie Lam had decided to turn to the Emergency Ordinance Regulations to outlaw face coverings and had met her cabinet on Friday morning.

The government said Lam and senior cabinet ministers would hold a press conference at 3pm (0700 GMT) But protesters have already vowed to defy the law.

“Youngsters are risking their lives, they don’t mind being jailed for ten years, so wearing masks is not a problem,” a 34-year-old office worker wearing a surgical mask, who gave her first name as Mary, told AFP at a protest on Friday afternoon.

The expected ban comes after Hong Kong was rocked by the worst violence on the year on Tuesday, the same day China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule.

Street battles raged for hours between riot police and hardcore protesters while a teenager who was part of a group that attacked police with umbrellas and poles was shot in the chest with a live round, the first such shooting since the demonstrations began.