The Guy Fawkes mask was a traditional British item, often used to create Guy Fawkes effigies for kids to beg for money with, and to be burnt on bonfires. They faded from use, so that when David Lloyd was researching V For Vendetta, he couldn’t find a Guy Fawkes mask to use as reference, so created his own. That mask was faithfully recreated in the V For Vendetta movie, and has become a staple sight at protests of an anti-global nature. A familiar sight during the Arab uprisings this year. And conversely also everywhere in Bonfire Night in the UK now.
Police officials in Dubai have warned against wearing a mask that symbolises opposition to state authority during any celebrations connected to National Day and declared it illegal.
Any person found wearing Guy Fawkes masks, also known as ‘Vendetta masks’, risks police questioning as any object or action deemed to be instigating unrest or insulting the UAE is illegal, police officials said.
These masks differ as they are coloured wuth the flag of the United Arab Emirates, with the number 41, referring to the 41st National Day of the country, taking place on December 2nd, marking the anniversary of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom.
A Dubai Police official stressed the negative connotations of the mask. “Using any symbol that insults the country or instigates unrest against its system is not allowed. 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.”
Remember, Remember, the second of December…