Hong Kong: Demonstration reported at Victoria Harbor June 28-29 /update 5

Event

A demonstration has been reported at Victoria Harbor as of late (local time) Friday, June 28, into the early morning hours of Saturday, June 29. Protesters are reportedly rallying to denounce plans for a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) base at Victoria Harbor. According to local reports, police have attempted to disperse protesters. Residual transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected over the coming hours. Further clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

A pro-establishment rally is also planned for 15:00 on Sunday, June 30, at Tamar Park. Counterdemonstrations are possible along with a heightened security presence and localized disruptions. On Monday, July 1, activists are also planning to disrupt the flag raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square. The ceremony is typically attended by thousands of people, though organizers are scaling back the scope and increasing security in light of the possibility of protests.

Additionally, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is planning an annual protest march on Monday, a public holiday. Demonstrators are expected to gather at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and march to the LegCo complex in Admiralty. The march is expected to be well attended and significant transportation disruptions, including main road closures, MTR and other public transportation closures and congestion, and increased traffic on cross-harbor tunnels, are expected.

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held since June 9 in opposition to a controversial bill that would allow Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China, along with Macau and Taiwan. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed by China in 1997 and may be used to silence dissent and criticism.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, and anticipate localized transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence.