Hong Kong lawmakers set up committee to push for anti-mask law

Lawmakers in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region set up a committee to push for an anti-mask law on Thursday, as violent protests in the city continue to escalate.

The Golden Bauhinia Square at an open area in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. [File Photo: IC]

"This law is the best way to help police officers to prevent those violent acts," Joe Chan Cho-kwong, former chairman of the Junior Police Officers' Association of Hong Kong, told CGTN. "It's challenging for the police officers to collect evidence if the protesters wear masks."

Legislative Council members pushing for the legislation noted that the law would not affect people's right to wear masks in public or legal gatherings. And they argued that similar laws have been implemented in a number of Western countries.

"We will refer to the Canadian anti-mask law, which is mainly implemented for illegal gatherings and violent acts," said Elizabeth Quat, a member of Hong Kong's Legislative Council.

"Exceptions can be made if someone can prove they have a 'lawful excuse' for covering their face such as religious or medical reasons," she added, stressing that the law will not affect people's freedom of speech.

Hong Kong has been rocked by large-scale protests since June, in which many mask-wearing protesters have engaged in acts of violence. Committee members admitted that the government or police may not have enough resources to implement such a law amid the current chaotic situation, but they believed it could be a good start in restoring social order.

"If those protesters are not allowed to wear masks, they will have a fear of being identified, and the number of protesters will decline," said Donny Mak Kam-fai, vice chairman of the Government Disciplined Services General Union.