Editor's note: Huang Jiyuan is an opinion editor with CGTN Digital. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The anti-mask law in Hong Kong will take effect on October 5. This was announced by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam at a press conference on October 4, after her cabinet approved to invoke the Emergency Regulation Ordinance.

Calls for the HKSAR authority to take such a step have actually been growing for a while. Residents have submitted petitions to the government.

But, before the announcement on Friday, there have also been some doubts. Some professors and lawmakers questioned the ramification of such move. They've argued that this would not stop the unrest while making investors lose confidence in Hong Kong as a financial hub.

Carrie Lam said in late September that the authorities need to assess the pros and cons of the law and whether it would be used "appropriately." And, in the last few days, we've seen rioters vandalized railway stations, barricaded a Town Hall, and damaged government offices. A police officer was forced to use lethal force in defense of himself while being bludgeoned by dozens of rioters who deliberately targeted and chased after him. People were left bleeding in the streets after beaten by violent teenagers. Many restaurants and stores were ruined.

"Violence must end," this is the message that Carrie Lam sent at her press conference. Violence has become the most urgent problem. And the anti-mask regulation is an important first step towards solving it. As Lam said, the vast majority of violent rioters are using masks to hide their identity from the government. They have been acting under the assumption that by doing so, they could evade the law.

HKSAR's anti-mask regulation, besides making law enforcement easier and more effective, strikes at the heart of rioter's psyche – that they are safe by hiding in the social unrest. Peaceful protesters want Hong Kong to be prosperous. They are showing their faces and being upfront about their demands. Rioters, on the other hand, are tearing the city apart, literally. Deliberately beating police officer, hurting bystanders, and trashing businesses are not to show their political position. In fact, these acts are directly against what the protesters have been trying to achieve.

Rioters are taking advantage of the protesters by shackling themselves to the cause, so that they might be safe from law enforcements' actions. They are causing violence and chaos in the society for their own satisfaction while enjoying the benefits of being able to get away from it. Wearing masks, hiding behind hoods, and trying to shield oneself from the public are part of the effort to make sure they can slip under the government's radar.

But because of their actions, both the government and peaceful protesters have been unable to make amends to fix the problem. The government has been forced to tolerate the violence to avoid hurting people, and peaceful protesters have not been able to communicate effectively with the government as part of their group is seen as lawbreakers.

Not anymore. The anti-mask regulation is going to force rioters to confront the reality that violence would not be tolerated, and that their actions would no longer be tied to the peaceful protesters. The anti-mask law has put a distinction between the two. Protesting for change is protected. But, the government will not tolerate people who damage public property and cause physical harm to the general public and law enforcers.

This regulation will allow the government to enact legal action against the rioters, and at the same time gives the protesters a chance to make their case without the taint of illegitimacy. Without violence looming over both sides, the chance for reconciliation is much greater.

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