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Hong Kong (CNN) - The Hong Kong leader has invoked emergency powers rarely used to prohibit people from wearing face masks during public assemblies, a measure likely to enrage the thousands of young people involved in a protest movement that has lasted months
The ban will come into effect on October 5, said Carrie Lam, leader of Hong Kong, at a press conference on Friday, after a special meeting of his cabinet, the Executive Council.
In anticipation of the announcement, hundreds of people marched through the central commercial district of Hong Kong in protest against the ban. More protests are planned for the night.
Lam said the order to promulgate the "Prohibition of covering his face" regulation was a "necessary decision," but insisted that it does not mean that Hong Kong is in a state of emergency.
“Now we are at a fairly large and serious public risk. It is essential for us to stop the violence and restore calm to society as soon as possible, ”he said. "We believe that the new law will create a deterrent effect against masked protesters."
Lam said he will not set a date to cancel the anti-mask law.
The vast majority of people who have attended the city's recent pro-democratic demonstrations do so with masks to hide their identity, fearful that the police can arrest or assault them. Gas masks and respirators to protect against tear gas, which authorities often use to disperse unauthorized meetings, have also become commonplace.
In order to enact such a ban, the Office of the Chief Executive will invoke the Emergency Regulations Ordinance of the colonial era of the city, which grants the government extensive emergency powers.
The legislation has not been used for more than half a century and gives Lam the power to bypass the city legislature to "make whatever regulation he (or she) deems convenient for the public interest." Lam said the new law was subsidiary legislation and will be discussed by the Legislative Council, where the pro-government parties have a majority, when they meet at the end of this month.
Introduced in 1922, the law was last used in 1967 during leftist riots, which were followed by a campaign of terrorist attacks in Hong Kong and clashes between protesters and police. Fifty-one people died during the agitation, including 10 policemen.
The new law prohibits people from using facial coverings that hide their identity, including painting, in unauthorized or authorized protests, or in public processions. Those found guilty face up to one year in prison and a fine of HKD $ 25,000 (US $ 3,100).
Lam said the regulation contains exemptions for people who have legitimate reasons to use facial covers, such as for religious, medical or professional purposes.
Hong Kong