Hong Kong: Demonstration still set for June 16 /update 16

Event

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is still planning to organize a march in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 16, despite Chief Executive Carrie Lam decision to indefinitely suspend the controversial extradition bill on Saturday, June 15. Activists are calling for the bill to be permanently scrapped and for Lam to resign. The march will start at 14:30 (local time) at Victoria Park before demonstrators walk to the government headquarters.

Significantly heightened security measures are expected around all protest sites and in Admiralty. Road and MRT station closures, commercial and government service disruptions, and crowded conditions are likely if the demonstration takes place. Violent clashes broke out between protesters and security forces on Wednesday, June 12, and police officers have used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse crowds. Similar clashes cannot be ruled out during future demonstrations.

Context

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Admiralty on June 12 to protest the proposed extradition bill, where at least 72 people were wounded in clashes with security forces. Smaller, peaceful protests were held on Thursday, June 13. Mass protests on Sunday, June 9, were largely peaceful and attended by up to 1.03 million people.

The recent demonstrations were in opposition to a controversial extradition 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 on Chinese policies.

Advice

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