Hong Kong announces anti-mask law in illegal protests

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced this Friday that the Hong Kong Government mulls anti-mask law in illegal protests, in order to put a stop to nearly four months of anti-government protest violence in this Chinese territory.

As she told reporters, the law will take effect in Saturday midnight.

Lam and a committee of the Parliament decided to put the law into effect, after Tuesday´s riots worsened and it is so hard for the law enforcement to identify those committing vandalism and confrontation. A great number of protesters wear masks, helmets, breathing equipment and vests during demonstrations against law enforcement and public property.

The law will not be applied to rioters in peaceful and authorized marches. It provides exceptions for individuals who cover their faces for religious reasons or health problems and will not affect the right to freedom of speech.

Hong Kong authorities are expecting a decline in the number of extremists that always bring the city to a halt with barricades, traffic interruptions, burning Chinese flags and damage to public property with homemade bombs, even with current police bans.

Hong Kong experienced on Tuesday, National Day of China, the worst day of violent riots since the June´s turmoil.

As a result, there were a hundred injured, more than 180 arrested and the police were forced to respond with stronger anti-riot measures, including the use - for the first time - of firearms.

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