For the first time in more than 50 years, Hong Kong's leader has used emergency powers to ban the use of masks at city protests.<br />At a news conference on Friday, Hong Kong Chief executive Carrie Lam said the ban on face masks would take effect as of Saturday.<br />"I would say we are now in rather extensive and serious public danger.<br />The objective of this regulation is to end violence and restore ordinance and I believe<br />this is now the brought consensus of Hong Kong people."<br />She also said that she would continue with public dialogue to find solutions to the deep-seated social problems in Hong Kong.<br />Under the new law, those wearing masks at protests could get a jail term of up to one year or a fine of some 25,000 Hong Kong dollars, which is approximately 3,200 U.S. dollars.<br />As the word of the ban spread on Friday, hundreds of people took to the streets in downtown Hong Kong, denouncing the mask ban, calling it the suppression of their freedom.<br />
