Bahrain's authorities have banned importing the popular Guy Fawkes masks that are used by anti- government protests, local media reported Monday. The masks were popular during anti-government protests in several countries of the Arab world in 2011.
Bahrain's Industry and Commerce Minister Hassan Fakhro issued decree banning the masks, stating that the decision was taken following requests by the Interior Ministry. He added that his ministry has further ordered Bahrain's ports and borders to stop import or smuggling of the masks.
The mask features a smiling white face with red cheeks, pointed beard with upturned moustache at both ends.
Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, was a member of a group of provisional English Catholics, who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 that attempted to blow up the House of Lords in London.