26 Jun 2019 | 06:32 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Evening protest planned in Central June 26 /update 2
Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) organizes rally in Central at 20:00 (local time) on June 26 following daytime protest marches to consulates; associated disruptions expected
Event
The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is planning to hold a "Free Hong Kong" rally at 20:00 (local time) in Central on Wednesday, June 26. The protest will take place at Edinburgh Place and localized disruptions are expected, including crowded public transportation conditions, along with a heightened security presence.
Protesters also staged a demonstration and march to hand deliver letters to the consulates representing 19 of the G20 nations on Wednesday morning. Organizers estimate 1500 people participated in the protests, which began at 09:00 at Chater Garden in Central. Additional protests remain likely in the coming days and weeks.
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.
