Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says a ban on face masks would take effect on Saturday under emergency laws that allow authorities to ‘make any regulations whatsoever’ in whatever they deem to be in the public interest. More here:
HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago on Friday, in a dramatic move that enraged protesters who took to the streets of the Chinese-ruled city within hours.
The emergency laws allow curfews, censorship of the media, and control of harbors, ports and transport, although Lam did not specify any particular action that might follow beyond the mask ban. “The anti-mask law has become a tool of tyranny,” said Samuel Yeung, an 18-year-old university student, as crowds swelled in the main financial district of Central, beneath gleaming skyscrapers that house the Asia headquarters of companies including HSBC.“They can make use of the emergency law to enact any policies or laws that the government wants. There’s no rule of law anymore. We can only be united and protest.
Many protesters wear masks to hide their identity due to fears employers could face pressure to take action against them. Pro-Beijing groups had been pushing for a mask ban, but it was not clear how the government would implement it in a city where many of its 7.4 million residents wear them every day to protect against infection following the outbreak of the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003.
That came just before an escalation in violence on Tuesday, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, when police fired about 1,800 volleys of tear gas, 900 rubber bullets and six live bullets - one of which hit an 18-year-old, the first time a protester had been hit be live fire.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong police get more powers, masks to be banned in bid to end crisis: mediaHong Kong is set to enact an emergency law to ban face masks at rallies in a bid to curb violence, media reported
Read more »
Hong Kong court to hear assault case against teen student shot by policeHong Kong anti-government demonstrators clashed with police, venting their anger over a policeman’s shooting and wounding of a teenager earlier in the week
Read more »
Hundreds take to Hong Kong streets to protest against police shooting of school student
Read more »
'Don't shoot our kids': Hong Kong protesters slam 'trigger-happy' police after teen is shotHong Kong office workers and schoolmates of a teen shot at close range in the chest by a police officer rallied Wednesday to demand accountability.
Read more »
More Protests Erupt in Hong Kong Over Student Shot by PoliceThe shooting of an 18-year-old student set off a wave of recriminations in Hong Kong, as protesters vented fresh outrage against the police while others searched for ways to keep the violence from pushing the city into even more dangerous territory.
Read more »