By: Nadeemy Haded

China has insisted that only Hong Kong has the right to rule on constitutional issues and condemned the city's Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban on face masks worn by protesters.

During the demonstrations in Hong Kong, protesters wore masks to hide their faces and avoid prosecution.

The remarks could further worsen the situation in Hong Kong, which has been the scene of months of violent protests over fears that Beijing will slowly bite off the island's autonomy.

The ban on face cover came into effect in October when Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, a pro-Beijing activist, introduced a colonial-era law for the first time in more than 50 years.

The move has been a legal turning point in the city since Britain returned it to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Hong Kong's Supreme Court ruled the city authorities' ban on wearing face-masking masks was unconstitutional.

The former British colony has been experiencing the worst political crisis since June, with almost daily demonstrations punctuated by violent clashes between police and protesters.

Source: AFP