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Protesters are testing the limits of Hong Kong’s mask ban on Halloween

Be water…or be the Joker.
Be water…or be the Joker.
Image: Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon
By
Johnny Simon
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Demonstrators in Hong Kong took to the streets in masks and colorful makeup, taking advantage of a truly ironic confluence of Halloween and a court challenge to Hong Kong’s recently enacted ban on face masks.

Masks have been a crucial aspect of the large protests that have engulfed Hong Kong for months. To shield themselves from police surveillance or tear gas, protesters have taken to covering their faces with gas masks and other face coverings. Challenges to the ban were heard in court today (Oct 31).

Mask-clad protestors focused their demonstration in Lan Kwai Fong, a popular party street packed with bars and restaurants that plays host every year to large celebrations on Halloween. Police responded by cordoning off the area and firing tear gas and pepper spray to break up the parties, and protests.

Photos show an array of the face coverings favored by protesters, including the ubiquitous Guy Fawkes masks, Joker makeup, and the face of Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam.

Anti-government protesters wearing costumes march during Halloween in Lan Kwai Fong, in Hong Kongss Central district on Oct. 31.
Anti-government protesters wearing costumes march during Halloween in Lan Kwai Fong, in Hong Kong’s Central district on Oct. 31.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
A protester in Joker makeup takes part in a Halloween march in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
A protester in Joker makeup takes part in a Halloween march in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
Image: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton
A Halloween reveler walks past a line of policemen in the Lan Kwai Fong area
A Halloween reveler walks past a line of policemen in the Lan Kwai Fong area.
Image: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images
A line of policemen stop Halloween revellers in the Lan Kwai Fong area in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
A line of policemen stop Halloween revelers in the Lan Kwai Fong area in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
Image: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images
People shout slogans in front of a line of policemen in the Lan Kwai Fong area during Halloween in Hong Kong.
People shout slogans in front of a line of policemen in the Lan Kwai Fong area during Halloween in Hong Kong.
Image: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images
A person dressed as President Donald Trump waves an American flag as they stand on a street in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
A person dressed as president Donald Trump waves an American flag as they stand on a street in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung
A man in a Halloween costume walks past police officers in riot gear in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
A man in a Halloween costume walks past police officers in riot gear in Hong Kong on Oct. 31.
Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung
Anti-government protesters wearing costumes march during Halloween.
Anti-government protesters wearing costumes march during Halloween.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu