Vendetta masks declared illegal in UAE

Dubai police have declared a mask, which is said to symbolise opposition to the state, illegal and have warned against people wearing them, UAE daily Gulf News reported.

The Vendetta masks, which have been worn by demonstrators throughout the Arab uprisings, have been put on sale emblazoned with the colours of the UAE flag and the number 41 – a reference to the 41st National Day which takes place on December 2. 

Anyone found wearing the Guy Fawkes masks faces questioning by police surrounding allegations of instigating unrest and insulting the UAE, which are both illegal, the report added.

The masks, which are a depiction of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the British Houses of Parliament, were largely used during the screenings of the 2006 film ‘V For Vendetta’.

They have been on sale at online stores and some shops and markets in the UAE for about AED 50, the report added.

“Using any symbol that insults the country or instigates unrest against its system is not allowed,” a police spokesman was quoted as saying. “We urge citizens to celebrate using other symbols such as national flags, slogans or photos that are more appropriate to the happy occasion of National Day.”