Protesters March In TST Defying Anti-mask Law

In a first major march after a week of relative calm, hundreds of anti-government protesters marched around streets in Kowloon, to protest against the newly enacted law which bans the wearing of face masks during such events.

Many of the marchers ignored the new law and wore face masks as they took part in an unauthorised march, occupying parts of Nathan Road and Salisbury Road as they walked on despite the rain.

The demonstrators had gathered near the Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower and raised slogans like "I am entitled to wear a mask".

There were calls in some internet chat groups for a rally in the area, but no individual or groups has sought permission for such an event.

One marcher said the lack of police permission may have scared of some people but that doesn't mean they are not joining the protest.

"The number of protesters coming out now can not be compared to marchers who came out in early June," said a man named Chan. "Hong Kong people are protesting through other means.

"They are boycotting the so-called blue ribbon [pro-government] shops and supporting the yellow ribbon [anti-government] shops," he said.

He said he doesn't think some Hong Kong people are giving up their fight, but they are finding other ways to protest, said Chan.

The marchers waved the banner of "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" while others raised their hand, signifying the five demands of the protest movement.

Most of the people who joined the march left when they reached Cheung Sha Wan but some people continued on to Mei Foo before dispersing.

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