31 May 2019 | 07:55 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Further anti-extradition protests planned June 6, 9 /update 2
Lawyers and activists plan additional protests in Hong Kong on June 6 and 9 in opposition of the proposed extradition law; heightened security measures expected
Event
Additional protests in opposition to the proposed extradition laws are scheduled to be held in Hong Kong on Thursday, June 6, and Sunday, June 9. Lawyers are planning to stage a silent march on Thursday; previously protests have been held near the High Court complex in the Admiralty district. The June 9 rally is being organized by the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), which will start at 14:30 (local time) in Causeway Bay. Protesters will then march to the Hong Kong Legislative Council Complex. According to CHRF leaders, the group is planning to have 300,000 people participate in the rally. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all protest sites. Further demonstrations are possible in the coming days.
Context
Activists and lawyers have held multiple protests in recent months to denounce the proposed extradition law. 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.
