Hong Kong: Pro-democracy protests in city August 20

Event

On Sunday, August 20, thousands of protesters marched from the Southorn Playground in Wan Chai to the Court of Final Appeal, demonstrating against the jailing of three pro-democracy activists on Thursday, August 17. Protesters claim that the jailing is proof of political suppression and Hong Kong's waning rule of law.

Transportation disruptions were reported throughout Hong Kong and residual congestion is expected to continue throughout Sunday.

Context

Sunday's protests are reported to be the largest pro-democracy gathering since the Umbrella movement in 2014, which involved mass street protests, paralyzing parts of Hong Kong for 79 days.

On Thursday, August 17, Joshua Wong, Ntahan Law, and Alex Chow, were jailed for six to eight months for unlawful assembly, after leading a series of pro-democracy protests, including the 2014 Umbrella movement.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to keep abreast of the situation, and to avoid large crowds as a precaution due to the potential for violence.