Masked protestors rally in the commercial district of Hong Kong on Friday. Photo: AFP
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Hong Kong leader announces ban on protester face masks

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By Jerome Taylor and Jasmine Leung

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Nice try! But the social contexts are worlds apart and the reasons for government repression are not the same. If Beijing just bugged out of the lives of the Hong Kongers and respected their freedoms and rights, peace would return to the streets of Hong Kong overnight. A leopard cannot change its spots and neither can power-drunk autocrats stop their arrogant ways after a lifetime of bullying the powerless. Such craven cowards are beneath contempt.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

Wondering if a face mask ban covers makeup?? What if everyone goes in clown makeup??? Would that be permissible??

The moment a government has to consider these actions, they have lost the upper hand. They may still prevail, but it will be via force and tyranny, not via logic and reason.

14 ( +17 / -3 )

The law allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in the event of an emergency or public danger without the need to go via's the city's parliament.

Not anymore — end “emergency powers.” They are often abused. In an emergency like a natural disaster, if the government follows common sense, new regulations will not be needed. For example, the government can advise the public to save water without having to make a regulation or law with the threat of punishment. Anyone who ignores the advisory probably would have ignored the regulation, too.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

How will they identify those violating the ban?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Laguna: "How will they identify those violating the ban?"

Blue dye in the water canon.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

They also have been releasing UV sensitive powder through helicopters.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Wondering if a face mask ban covers makeup?? What if everyone goes in clown makeup??? Would that be permissible??

If that makes it difficult for the face recognition software, it will be banned too. It is a moving target; the CPC will do whatever it takes to stifle the protests.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The purpose of their demonstrations is now independence of Hong Kong from China. They think "One country two systems" was a failure. I agree but it may be very difficult to realize.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

They also have been releasing UV sensitive powder through helicopters.

They using anything now, no-holds-barred tactics to eradicate the protesters. There should be more international outrage, but I see nothing.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

If a face mask ban covers makeup?? What if everyone goes in clown makeup??? Would that be permissible??

Of course this is a violation of law and will be arrested immediately. If someone drawing their face with crayons that is for the purpose to disguise or confusing their apperance, this is deinately a felony! Because the motive was attempt to carry out crimes!

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

I could understand if they were attacking innocent people and using masks to hide their identities, like the Antifa cowards.

But in this case they're trying to protect themselves from tear gas.

Feels bad for HK man.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

I am 500% against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments. I will aid the Resistance. Japan is already on my shxt list for their Secrecy Act. 2020 is going to be interesting.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Look at the photo. See all the sick masks? Is HK going to ban sick masks, too?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I will fly this weekend and join the fight.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Well, up until now, the government 'might' have had a chance to prove the protesters wrong. Not any more. The protesters are right after all, HK is quickly becoming an authoritarian state. Hk government will use any means to quash 2 systems, or at least the good system that the protesters were trying to maintain.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I could understand if they were attacking innocent people and using masks to hide their identities, like the Antifa cowards.

I'm an anti-fascist, Joe. I have never committed violent acts or thrown stuff. On marches and sit ins, I have always been peaceful. Even when I was assaulted by members of one police force.

Your over generalisation and misrepresentation of Antifa is disingenuous. It is not a single entity, there are many, many anti-fascist protesters who have protested peacefully for decades.

In the meantime, some Hong Kong activists are asking for Trump to speak out against Beijing but he's being awful quiet about it. I wonder why.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

I'm an anti-fascist, Joe. I have never committed violent acts or thrown stuff. On marches and sit ins, I have always been peaceful. Even when I was assaulted by members of one police force.

I was always in the mix with my camera crew filming the police arresting, spraying and beating people.

Your over generalisation and misrepresentation of Antifa is disingenuous. It is not a single entity,

Their motives are sinisterly very similar if you study their patterns. 98% are extremely confrontational.

there are many, many anti-fascist protesters who have protested peacefully for decades.

Some, but Antifa doesn’t make that doves list.

In the meantime, some Hong Kong activists are asking for Trump to speak out against Beijing but he's being awful quiet about it. I wonder why.

Well, why would he do that. He already addressed them at the UN, he’s trying to make a deal with them and he’s walking a very fine line, he wants to make a deal with China, but he supports the people of HK and urged Beijing to consider the will and wishes of the people.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

So much for the one two systems agreement that China clearly has violated and doesn't care if it does or doesn't, ref: HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Note: "Chinese ruled city" hmmmm.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Your over generalisation and misrepresentation of Antifa is disingenuous. It is not a single entity, there are many, many anti-fascist protesters who have protested peacefully for decades.

That sounds a lot like Trump describing a crowd that included a few Neo-Nazi types as having some good people in it as well. Ever since, that has been intentionally misquoted to mean that he said Nazis are good people by most the anti-Trump gang here.

So see how that stuff comes around? If you say there are some good people in Antifa, then you are calling the violent fascist members of Antifa good people. Because that's just being consistent. People here threw out the color gray a long time ago.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

One country two system was a British thought up cockamania.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

That sounds a lot like Trump describing a crowd that included a few Neo-Nazi types as having some good people in it as well. 

That sounds a lot like the Trumpist tactic of using false equivalences.

So see how that stuff comes around? 

I make no apologies for standing up to fascists while others cower on the sidelines.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Do medical masks even prevent disease? The bacteria and virus can go through the sides or through the material of the mask. It's not airtight.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The Chinese govt is a bunch of self serving thugs.

The US should support Democracy in China and around the world and stop playing footsie with dictators who care only of themselves.

it worked in the Americas. It worked in Europe. Supporting Democracy is the long game that will make the world a better safer place for our kids and grand kids.

Plus, democracy is the only legitimate form of government. Dictatorships are simply hostage situations.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

rgcivilian1: "invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years"

They can't be "colonial-era emergency powers" because the British treated the Chinese so well they didn't need such powers, Under British rule, the Chinese were free to riot, but did not need to because they were so well looked after and comfortable.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Tom: "I will fly this weekend and join the fight".

Well done you brave man,. Don't forget your face mask, iron pole and petrol bombs.

Oh, and don't forget your passport and visa.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

If you think money was leaving HK fast in the past few months, you ain't see nothing yet. It will go out even faster and more furious.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

CrazyJoe: "The US should support Democracy in China and around the world...".   "it worked in the Americas. It worked in Europe. "

It worked very well in Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, Korea (North and South), Israel/Palestinian Territories, Syria, Libya, the Balkans.... All these nations now have peace thanks to US intervention and support.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

^ Yeap, that's they style of so-call freedom of speech. Censored any voice they do not like. Just look at how their people behave oversea recently and you will see that. If a group protest about HK, they will come out swam and shout at the other.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Cliffy: You forgot to mention "police brutality". The HK authority has no right taking away the freedom of peaceful protesters vandalising  public building and infrastructure, attacking other citizens and police and throwing petrol bombs. They should be free to express their disagreement with the system.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

^ Thanks for speaking about police brutality about torture, colluding with triad member.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

It worked very well in Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, Korea (North and South),

Vietnam is fine, so is the relationship now with the US better than ever, with the Kurds the same, Venezuela before that idiot Chavez ruined that country, Cuba before the Castro’s destroyed that and South Korea is an economic success thanks to us. Iran is a different can of Worms.

Israel/Palestinian Territories, Syria, Libya, the Balkans.... All these nations now have peace thanks to US intervention and support.

Well, that entirely not all true, there are other factors involved that are responsible for the fallout of these nations, so sadly we can’t take all or the majority of the blame, but seriously focus for a moment, how does this address the issue of the people of HK and their absolute right to be free? Why should they submit to a government that promised to not interfere in their internal politics for another 50 years? Why must Beijing lie to it’s on people? What is this so called powerful country afraid of?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

"During the 1967 riots -- a period where more than 50 people were killed in a year-long leftist bombing and murder spree -- the British used the emergency laws to give police extra powers of arrest and roll out widespread censorship of the press."

This must be fake news; surely there was no police brutality during British rule. Why would HKers protest against the British who looked after them so well? Why would the British use emergency laws against happy, peaceful protesters?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

During the 1967 riots -- a period where more than 50 people were killed in a year-long leftist bombing and murder spree -- the British used the emergency laws to give police extra powers of arrest and roll out widespread censorship of the press."

This must be fake news; surely there was no police brutality during British rule. Why would HKers protest against the British who looked after them so well? Why would the British use emergency laws against happy, peaceful protesters?

You keep doing this. How about when the CCP butchered protesters in Tiananmen Square? We can do this all day.

Can you just for once offer a simple opinion on whether you think the people of Hong Kong should accept the autocratic rule of a party with a history of butchering it’s own people?

There is no need to include Kent State in your answer.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_1967_leftist_riots

That includes name and cause of death and the whole story not just taken things out of context.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Jimizo: This has nothing to do with Tiananmen Squire.

I'm just finding it difficult to accept that there were PEACEFUL protests against the British that treated them so well, allowed them freedom and free speech. How could the British have KILLED  50 protesters that were so happy under British rule? Only the Chinese are so repressive, as many commentators keep saying.

The best solution for these PEACSEFUL protesters is that the US offer them US citizenship.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Cliffy: Surely your not saying that these peaceful rioters are "rightest rioters" supported by the NED?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Cliffy: Surely your not saying that these peaceful rioters are "rightest rioters" supported by the NED?

Nope. What part of my statement mentioned that? I was just presenting the whole story instead of just cut and paste part of it and mix with some other things.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Only the Chinese are so repressive, as many commentators keep saying.

The best solution for these PEACSEFUL protesters is that the US offer them US citizenship.

Can we please stay relevant in the year of 2019? Stay with me. So in other words what you’re really trying to say is, the people of HK should bow and submit to the mainland, give up everything they know and regress to authoritarian regime and to be told what to do, what to think, when to think, when to say and how to say it and what not to discuss in public or be allowed to search online basic words like “freedom or democracy?” If you think that as well as the mainland, I do believe Beijing will have to once again kill thousands of people, but this time, the rest of the world is connected and I’m sure the people of HK have contingency plans in place should the mainland come in and send their death squad. With instant and real time up to the moment coverage Beijing will not be able to lie what would be taking place and shutting down HK will also financially destroy China, either way, the outcome for the mainland wouldn’t look good at all, this is another reason why they haven’t budged yet. They do know of the impending consequences if they they took that regrettable step.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Stupid people are stupid people, with masks o not.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

zichi said "There isn't any democracy in HK." True, HK still under a different system inherited from Colonial rule. Only when HK becomes people's HK, as China is, then democracy will prevail. It may take many years, removing Colonial language, Colonial court, Colonial religion, Colonial media, Colonial ideology will take times, my dear. BE PATIENT.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Expect a lot of people to disappear in the coming weeks.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

God bless the very brave HK protesters who are risking their freedom and lives to fight for their fellow citizen's freedom. It's a real life David vs Goliath battle. I hope they win.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

zichi, which international law says that your can't have one party domination ? Which democratic standard says that one party is anti-democratic ? As long as you have support from people, than your are democratically elected by people, democratically trusted by people, democratically supported by people.

People's support is the GOLD standard of democracy.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Go Hongkongers Go!

CPC old guys days will not last for ever.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

What about face-paint ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Anyway, HK has now had it. Back in 2007 when the Brits signed over the land back to the Chinese CCP, the HK'ers should have seen the writing on the wall.... now... it's game over for them.... and the Expats living in HK.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Talking about “freedom and democracy” for Hong Kong, as individuals trying to make ends meet everyday, it is meaningless. Why cares about not having enough “freedom and democracy?” As long as I have a job and able to pay my bills, I would be satisfied. More “freedom and democracy” would not make me any better as an individual. The problem with Hong Kong is the kids are frustrated. They used to think that they were better than the mainland people, but things have changed. People on the mainland are getting richer and richer by the day, but lives in Hong Kong are stagnant. It will never get any better until they accept that they are part of the mainland. They limit themselves like mice in a cage that’s why they want more freedom and democracy. Those people who accept the mainland tend to do better and tend to be richer because they can move around the country and not limit themselves in the cage. Hong Kong kids are making their own lives even harder because protest and demonstrations will get no where. They think that they can hide behind the masks and consider themselves heroes but on the contrary, they ruin their own livelihood and it becomes vicious cycle as their lives are getting worse, who do think they blame?. People have been predicting this problem in Hong Kong for quite awhile that is why across the bay, Shenzhen has been flourishing to the envy of Hong Kong people.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Protestors might wear Xi masks and "Press" t-shirts with "We are watching." in 4 languages.

My US state has outlawed the wearing of masks in public, with a few exceptions for traditional cultural holidays, work, sports, mascots, clowns, theatre, and either practice or real emergencies. The law was put in place because masks were used 50-150 yrs ago to intimidate/scare/terrify others, almost exclusively blacks. The legislators decided that banning all masks was necessary. There isn't any specific exception for religious reasons or if the mask wearer wasn't showing any intent to intimidate. Wearing the mask alone was considered intimidation alone.

O.C.G.A. 16-11-38 (2010) 16-11-38. Wearing mask, hood, or device which conceals identity of wearer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law has summaries for other places in the world. Florida and Tennessee anti-mask laws were struck down as being too broad.

I wear a black filter mask when doing yard work, though I suppose my neighbors might be intimidated. Pollen levels here can be extreme about 2 months of the year.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

My US state has outlawed the wearing of masks in public

The problem with HK is the white terror with business and government that have tie to PRC will go after you even it is a peaceful protest.

If HK government thinks a mask ban would stop the violent or protest, it is a very big mistake. They do not even afraid of rubber bullets or live round now. A measly mask ban could stop it?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

mmwkdw, being a British doesn't make you any special, in HK or elsewhere. If you break the laws, you will be in a jail, as simple as that.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

All the better to identify you and have Beijing come after you!

HK better keep protesting, or else it'll be all over

4 ( +5 / -1 )

These are not the actions of a free state but a puppet state

4 ( +5 / -1 )

sf2k - These are not the actions of a free state but a puppet state

Really?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Facial recognition software uses CCTV recordings to identify a persons face. The same CCTV recordings also record a persons clothes, tattoos, whether they are right or left handed, have a limp, and possibly height and weight. If people are actually hoping that a mask will prevent them from eventually being identified, they are sorely mistaken. The mask wearer would have to wear their mask until they reach an area where there are no cameras, and then change their entire wardrobe. And add a fat suit underneath their street clothes.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Just like China - placing bans on clothes.

Lam is nothing more than a Chinese plant in HK. HK lost their freedom in the last election. The people are fighting to regain their independence from China.

The world stands behind you HK!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The leopard can’t change its spots!

Carrie Lam shows us that she is still willing to pass draconian measures on the people of Hong Kong!

She hasn’t learned anything at all....

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The Hong Kong police are a disgrace. They are fighting for their country to become subservient to a dictatorship.

I wonder if China is sending their own military, wearing HK police uniforms.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

There are only so many prison spots in HK. Prisoners face a year in jail if they wear face masks.

They should all ignore it. Some will get arrested. But they can only arrest so many - where will they put them?

The people outnumber Lam and her cronies. Arrest Lam and the cronies.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Anyone with time to read comments on JT having a bad day should look at what the protestors in HK are fighting for, and count yourself lucky that you're having to literally fight, week after week, for your freedom. Whatever your problems, they probably don't compare to the existence-threat to these protestors and all their descendants.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Masks are a double edged sword. When large groups wear them, its hard to spot the agents provacateurs the government fascists planted in your protest. Protestors need to be more organized to make sure that does not happen.

But basically I feel the right to anonymity is a natural one.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Strangerland

Anyone with time to read comments on JT having a bad day should look at what the protestors in HK are fighting for, and count yourself lucky that you're having to literally fight, week after week, for your freedom. 

Well said.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The masked pro-democratic rioters now can reveal their true faces. They have nothing to fear if their adventure is justified and supported by 1.4 billion siblings.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

.

@ Akie :They have nothing to fear if their adventure is justified and supported by 1.4 billion siblings.

.

What are you on about . . 1.4 billion siblings! ?

The HK residents do not identify with the Chinese totalitarian system - with their group think and the oppression of all freedoms..

ERGO the protests - that have reached as far as Vancouver Canada , BTW

Removing facial covering is a death knell to the truly democratic aspirations of these protestors in HK

.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

.

@theFu : *Protestors might wear Xi masks and "Press" t-shirts with "We are watching."*

.

:-) That's funny.!

What a thought - Xi masks, indeed ! . That would get the point across.

.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

.

@ Cheeba: Look at the photo. See all the sick masks? Is HK going to ban sick masks,

.

Excellent point .

It's flu season !!!! ;-o

.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The masked pro-democratic rioters now can reveal their true faces. They have nothing to fear if their adventure is justified and supported by 1.4 billion siblings.

Their adventure is justified, and it IS supported by the 1.4 billion Chinese, suffering under the oppression of the CCP. They just aren't allowed to voice that support publicly, or they will be disappeared in the middle of the night to never be seen again.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

semperfi said "The HK residents do not identify with the Chinese totalitarian system - with their group think and the oppression of all freedoms..". Which HK resident ? please identify. Half baked truth is worse than a lie. There are may be a few racists, or Colonizer sympathizers, or traitors said that, but they do not represent HK residents. China represent the biggest democracy in the world, the only nation on the planet raised living standards of 1.4 billion people, if that is the oppression of all freedoms, then let it be. Freedoms of being hangry, freedoms of illness, freedoms of violence, freedoms of racial discrimination, freedoms of lies, are not good things.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Strangerland, 80 million Chinese people died in the past 100 years to have today's new China. They died wearing no maks, they died gloriously, they died so the five star flag can arise, they died publically, they died that 1.4 billion people now have much better life. If you think the pro-democratic rioters have their support, then behave like the one supported by the people of republic China.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Which HK resident ?

All of them of course.

China represent the biggest democracy in the world

China is an oligarchy. Oligarchies are the opposite of democxracies.

if that is the oppression of all freedoms, then let it be.

And this is why the world cannot let China exert its dominance without challenge, they feel oppression of freedom is justified. They are so brainwashed, they don't even know it.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Strangerland, 80 million Chinese people died in the past 100 years to have today's new China.

Mao, the dictator, was a disgusting human being who let 80 million of his people die, while telling the rest they should be thankful.

He should stand as a lesson to humanity about what NOT to do.

IIf you think the pro-democratic rioters have their support

Hah, you've obviously never talked to any Chinese people outside China. The second they get out and taste freedom, they become the biggest CCP and Mao haters of all. They hate it that their people are forced into silence in the homeland, and are not allowed to express the desire that every Chinese person has for freedom.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

they died that 1.4 billion people now have much better life

Akie, the increased prosperity of today's China is in spite of Mao Tse-Tung's murders, not because of them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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