For the first time in more than 50 years, Hong Kong's leader recently used emergency powers to ban the wearing of face masks at the city's ongoing pro-democracy protests.
Now there's speculation the face mask ban is merely the beginning of further expanded emergency powers to be announced.
For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to our Kim Da-mi.
Da-mi, tell us more.
Right Connyoung, the escalating tension in Hong Kong is now sparking concerns the Hong Kong government may expand its colonial-era powers.
According to Hong Kong legislator Claudia Mo, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam is using the powers as a weapon of mass destruction to nuke Hong Kong so it can pave the way for more oppression.
The powers can grant the government power for everything from curfews to confiscations and even censorship.
There are now rumors authorities will expand the time of custody from the current 48 hours to 96 hours, block message apps or websites used by protesters or even disrupt Internet service in the city.
With a Hong Kong court rejecting bid to suspend the face mask ban, fears are rising that the city may be sliding toward martial law.
Hong Kong's secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng refused to comment but emphasized that the government was considering all means to quell protests.
The Emergency Regulations Ordinance was first introduced a century ago when the British attempted to control a strike by Chinese sailors.
The law hasn't been implemented for more than half a century but can be invoked in case of emergency, giving the government ultimate powers to change regulations as officials see fit.
Now there's speculation the face mask ban is merely the beginning of further expanded emergency powers to be announced.
For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to our Kim Da-mi.
Da-mi, tell us more.
Right Connyoung, the escalating tension in Hong Kong is now sparking concerns the Hong Kong government may expand its colonial-era powers.
According to Hong Kong legislator Claudia Mo, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam is using the powers as a weapon of mass destruction to nuke Hong Kong so it can pave the way for more oppression.
The powers can grant the government power for everything from curfews to confiscations and even censorship.
There are now rumors authorities will expand the time of custody from the current 48 hours to 96 hours, block message apps or websites used by protesters or even disrupt Internet service in the city.
With a Hong Kong court rejecting bid to suspend the face mask ban, fears are rising that the city may be sliding toward martial law.
Hong Kong's secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng refused to comment but emphasized that the government was considering all means to quell protests.
The Emergency Regulations Ordinance was first introduced a century ago when the British attempted to control a strike by Chinese sailors.
The law hasn't been implemented for more than half a century but can be invoked in case of emergency, giving the government ultimate powers to change regulations as officials see fit.
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