[drysine]

>Only the repression is not yet so harsh (arguably).

Is it?

France: "Article 431-9-1, now stipulates a sentence of one year's imprisonment and a fine of €15,000 for voluntarily concealing all or part of the face "without legitimate reason" whilst attending a demonstration "during or at the end of which disturbances to public order are committed or are likely to be committed."" [0]

Meanwhile in Canada: "Bill C-309 became law, banning the wearing of masks during a riot or unlawful assembly, carrying a maximum ten-year prison sentence with a conviction of the offence." [1]

But I don't understand, right, it's different, Georgian masked rioters are pro-democracy freedom fighters, and protesters in the West are forces of darkness.

[0] https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2023/05/12/i...

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preventing_Persons_from_Concea...

[like_any_other]

I think we agree. I meant the repression enabled by the surveillance/anti-mask laws. The laws themselves seem equally harsh, and the surveillance equally pervasive. (I was not aware of that Canadian law with a 10 year sentence - that is insane, and far harsher than the Georgian equivalent.)

And honestly, personally I am of the opinion that even the repression is just as harsh, but in a different way. But this is not the place to open that can of worms, so I leave it at (arguably).

[drysine]

Yep, we agree much more than disagree. Let the worms stay in that can)