10 Jun 2019 | 09:03 PM UTC
Hong Kong: Protest against extradition bill expected on June 12 /update 6
Protest expected on June 12 following government pledge to proceed with controversial extradition bill; clashes between police and protesters possible; widespread business and transportation services anticipated
Event
The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) has called for mass protests on Wednesday, June 12, from 10:00 (local time), to denounce a controversial extradition bill. The announcement came as Chief Executive Carrie Lam pledged to push forward with the bill during a press conference on Monday, June 10, despite mass protests the previous day. The planned protest will coincide with the Legislative Council's scheduled second reading of the bill on Wednesday. According to local sources, over 100 businesses have pledged to remain closed on Wednesday to allow for their employees to participate in the demonstration.
Organizers did not immediately announce the location of Wednesday's demonstration, although protesters are likely to converge on 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. Widespread business and transportation disruptions are also to be anticipated on June 12.
Context
Mass protests were held in downtown Hong Kong, from Causeway Bay to Admiralty, on 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 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.
