Hong Kong Government Enacts War Powers Amid Escalating Violence

Many protestors in Hong Kong wear masks to ensure anonymity, some to prevent retaliation and some to use violence without accountability. (Wikimedia Commons)

The government of Hong Kong invoked emergency war powers and enacted a mask ban on October 4. These decisions have intensified the protests and increased political tension. 

People have been protesting the extradition bill proposed by Hong Kong’s legislature since March 31. The bill says that criminal suspects should be extradited to mainland China. However, many people have criticized the bill, as it could allow the mainland government to target activists, journalists, or anyone else deemed a dissenter or enemy of the state. Protesters view the bill as weakening Hong Kong’s autonomy and increasing the influence of mainland China, and many people see Hong Kong as becoming increasingly authoritarian under China’s influence.

As a response to the protests, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency war powers on October 4 in order to enforce a mask ban on the country. The administration hopes this ban will reduce anonymity, and, therefore, violence during protests. Previously, masks were a staple feature of the protests, as they allowed dissenters to thwart facial recognition and avoid becoming targets of the administration. In addition, masks allowed protesters to protect themselves from the tear gas that Hong Kong law enforcement officials often deploy in order to to disperse protests. However, anonymity also allows protesters to use violence without fear of recognition.

In retaliation for the new policy, spontaneous protests broke out all over the region. Dissent ranged from civilians wearing masks in public to hundreds of people gathering in the streets and blocking traffic. Reports of riots, vandalism, and fires at pro-Beijing shops and subway stations spread. BBC reports that a 14-year-old protester was shot in the leg by a police officer and sent to Tuen Mun hospital in critical condition. 

The ban comes amid efforts to quell escalating violence between protestors and local law enforcement. Lam justified her move, saying, “As a responsible government, we have a duty to use all available means to stop the escalating violence and restore calmness in society.” Though the Beijing government has supported the step, dissenters warn that this is all part of a larger, concerningly authoritarian trend. 

A pro-democracy law-maker provided the following statement to AFP, "This is a watershed. This is a Rubicon… and I'm worried this could be just a starter. More draconian bans in the name of law could be lurking around the corner." 

These concerns stem from the fact that the law used to enforce the mask ban bypasses all the legislative and democratic processes of the city. Known as the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, the law allows for the chief executive to take full control of security measures. 

Lam maintains that the country is not in a state of an emergency but it is in "in a state of serious public danger.” With the extradition bill now withdrawn and Hong Kong's special status under China's "one country, two systems" policy set to expire in 2047, many protesters have begun calling for a broader protection of the region's autonomy and civil liberties.