Hong Kong: Mass demonstration continues June 16 /update 18

Event

A mass demonstration is ongoing in Hong Kong as of 19:20 (local time) on Sunday, June 16, to protest the proposed extradition bill and to call for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. Massive crowds are moving into Admiralty and marching along main routes, including Queensway, Gloucester, Lockard, Hennessy, and Johnston roads. Crowds are also gathering in Tamar Park. MRT stations in the area remain crowded, particularly Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Jordan, and Tin Hau, and significant service disruptions are possible. As of Sunday evening, the march has remained peaceful; however, clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Lam announced on Saturday, June 15, that the controversial extradition bill has been indefinitely suspended. However, protesters are demanding for the law to be permanently scrapped. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Admiralty on June 12, 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.