2 protesters charged in 1st use of Hong Kong's new mask ban

October 07, 2019 10:58

Two protesters were charged on Monday with violating Hong Kong's new ban on wearing masks at rallies, a move likely to add to a backlash that has thrown the semi-autonomous Chinese territory into deeper crisis.

An 18-year-old student and a 38-year-old unemployed woman were the first to be prosecuted under the ban, which came into force Saturday under sweeping emergency powers aimed at quashing violence in the protests for more democratic freedoms.

Detained early on Saturday shortly after the ban took effect, the two were also charged with taking part in unlawful assembly, which carries a heavier penalty of up to five years in jail.

A conviction under the mask ban is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine. They were both released on bail pending trial.

Photograph: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

When Radhika Wants To Do The Talking...

She has shed the girl-next-door image for a bold avatar.

In Pictures - DeChambeau edges McIlroy to wins US Open golf

Bryson DeChambeau came out on top in a dramatic final round, back nine battle with Rory McIlroy to win the US Open by one shot.

Will Theaterisation Become Reality?

Once rolled out, theaterisation will be the biggest military reform in the country. It will see the creation of unified theatre commands within the 1.7 million-strong Indian armed forces.

Cricket Dads Shine

Father's Day was a celebration of love and laughter for Indian cricketers and their families.

T20 WC: Nepal's bowlers shoot out Bangladesh cheaply

Nepal's bowlers turned in a brilliant display to shoot out Banglaesh for a paltry 106 in 19.3 overs in their concluding Group D match of the T20 World Cup in in St. Vincent on Monday. Sompal Kami (2/10), Dipendra Singh Airee (2/22),...