21 June 2009 - 08H07
Government bans use of face masks at protests
France has officially banned the use of face masks and other face-concealing articles during demonstrations in a bid to stem violence during protests.
France officially banned Saturday the use of balaclavas and other face-concealing articles during demonstrations, in a bid to stem violence during protests.
In a decree by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon published Saturday, offenders will be fined 1,500 euros or more.
The law makes it illegal to "voluntarily conceal one’s face in order not to be identified in situations that could threaten public order.”
There are exceptions for "protests that comply with local practices our when concealing the face is justified by a legitimate motive,” but it does not specify what a legitimate motive might be.
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