This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On October 4, 2019, Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, invoked a face mask ban, citing concerns that it would hurt efforts to persuade residents, tourists, and international businesses that the city is still a safe place.
However, the move has been met with fierce resistance from protesters, who see the ban as an attempt to erode the civil liberties that have long differentiated Hong Kong from the rest of China.
Protester Chan, who was interviewed in Causeway Bay, expressed skepticism about the ban's effectiveness in depressing turnout for rallies and marches. 'But undoubtedly, those who are more fearful might not dare,' he added.
The ban has already prompted stiff opposition from Lam's opponents in Hong Kong's legislature, with 24 members of the pro-democracy minority asking a court to put the ban on hold. They accused Lam of overstepping her legal authority under the Basic Law, the mini-constitution that has governed Hong Kong since Britain handed it back to Chinese control in 1997.
Lawmaker Dennis Kwok described the situation as a 'battle between totalitarianism and the rule of law.' However, Lam has dismissed Kwok's argument as 'groundless.'
On Sunday, the city's High Court threw out the request for an injunction against the ban, allowing the government to enforce the measure.
