'Hong Kongers, resist!' Protesters rampage against mask ban and emergency law
HONG KONG - Hong Kong's chief executive on Friday invoked a colonial-era law that bans face coverings at public gatherings, a move squarely aimed at protesters who have taken to the streets for four months.
Under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance - which goes into effect at midnight - anyone who wears a mask or paint obscuring their face during a public assembly, whether authorized or not, could face a fine of more than $3,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a news briefing Friday that the law was intended to "create a deterrent effect against masked violent protesters" and "assist the police in law enforcement."
As she spoke, thousands of protesters poured into the city streets, chanting, "Hong Kongers, resist!" and "Disband
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