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Hong Kong bans masked protests as emergency powers invoked

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Hong Kong is to ban people wearing masks during protests, the territory’s chief executive has confirmed.

Carrie Lam announced the use of the emergency powers – which haven’t been invoked for more than 50 years – after months of violent street protests.

She said Hong Kong faced “extensive and very serious danger” but stressed it was not under a state of emergency.

Anyone breaking the mask ban could be jailed for a year or fined.

The law says that a facial covering is illegal if it prevents someone at an “unlawful assembly” or “public procession” being identified.

People will not be allowed to paint their faces to get around the ban.

Many protesters have said they will defy the ruling – which comes into force on 5 October.Read More…