12 Jun 2019 | 08:00 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas, clash with protesters June 12 /update 9
Clashes between police and protesters reported as mass protests continue in downtown Hong Kong June 12; further clashes and other disruptions likely in coming hours
Event
Tens of thousands of people have gathered in downtown Hong Kong as mass protests against a controversial extradition bill continued as of 15:45 (local time) on Wednesday, June 12. Protesters erected barricades and blocked main arteries in Admiralty, including the Queensway, Harcourt Road and Flyover, and Lung Wo Road.
Clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in multiple areas, particularly near Harcourt Road and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) building. Police reportedly fired pepper spray and tear gas at protesters. Further clashes are likely in the coming hours, along with other disruptions, including road and MTR station closures.
Context
Mass protests attended by up to 1.03 million people were held in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 9. The protests were largely peaceful, though some clashes with security forces were reported in the early morning hours.
Several demonstrations 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 transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence.
