Hong Kong's leader invoked colonial-era emergency powers Friday, October 4, to ban protesters wearing face masks, but the move aimed at quelling months of unrest sparked immediate rallies, widespread clashes and vows to defy the new law
CARRIE LAM. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks at a press conference in Hong Kong on October 4, 2019. Photo by Philip Fong/AFP
As soon as the ban was announced, widespread protests broke out across Hong Kong. Large crowds of mostly office workers blocked roads in the heart of the commercial district. Online forums used by protesters filled with anger and vows to hit the streets over the upcoming three-day weekend. Critics said Lam's move was a major step towards authoritarianism for Hong Kong, which has been governed by China under a"one country, two systems" framework since British colonial rule ended in 1997."And I'm worried this could be just a starter. More draconian bans in the name of law could be lurking around the corner.""It is ironic that a colonial-era weapon is being used by the Hong Kong government and the Chinese Communist Party," he told AFP.
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