10 Jun 2019 | 06:43 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Further protests possible as extradition bill moves forward /update 5
Chief Executive Carrie Lam pledges to proceed with controversial extradition bill on June 10 following mass protests; further demonstrations possible in the coming days
Event
Chief Executive Carrie Lam pledged to push forward with the controversial extradition bill during a press conference on Monday, June 10, despite mass protests the previous day. Further protests are possible in the coming days, particularly in front of the Legislative Council Complex in Admiralty. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions, including police barricades and congestion, are likely near protest sites. Clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Mass protests were held in downtown Hong Kong, from Causeway Bay to Admiralty, on Sunday, June 9. Organizers estimated that 1.03 million people attended the protests; officials claim there were 240,000 participants. The protests were largely peaceful, though some clashes with security forces were reported during the early morning hours (local time) on Monday, June 10, after the protest permit expired.
Several protests have been held in recent weeks over a proposed law that would allow Hong Kong to extradite fugitives to mainland China, along with Macau and Taiwan. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed when possession of Hong Kong was transferred from the UK to China in 1997 and may be used to silence dissent of Chinese policies.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, avoid all public gatherings, and anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence.
