11 May 2019 | 03:30 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Anti-extradition protests continue May 10 /update 1
More than 1200 people protest extradition law by legislature building on May 10; further demonstrations and associated disruptions likely in coming weeks
Event
More than 1200 people attended a demonstration in Hong Kong on Friday evening (local time), May 10, to protest proposed extradition laws. The protesters, organized by the Civil Human Rights Front, gathered outside the Legislative Council (LegCo) building in Admiralty. A legislative committee is scheduled to debate the proposed law on Saturday morning, May 11. Further demonstrations are likely, particularly near the LegCo building or at other locations in Admiralty, in the coming weeks. Localized disruptions are possible near any protests.
Context
The proposed law would allow Hong Kong to extradite people accused of crimes to China, Macau, and Taiwan on a case-by-case basis. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed when possession of Hong Kong transferred from the UK to China in 1997 and may be used to silent dissent of Chinese policies.
The protests come shortly after the sentencing of four leaders of the Umbrella Movement for their part in leading pro-democracy protests.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments to the situation, refrain from discussing politics in public or on social media, anticipate localized disruptions, and avoid all public gatherings as a precaution.
