Hong Kong: Protests planned in Admiralty over extradition bill June 12 /update 7

Event

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) has called for additional demonstrations on Wednesday, June 12, to protest the controversial extradition bill. Several thousand people are expected to attend the protests, which will begin near the Legislative Council Complex in Admiralty around 10:00 (local time) on Wednesday. At least 100 businesses have announced they will close during the demonstration as a precaution. Further protests are also expected in Wan Chai and areas to the east of Admiralty. Transportation disruptions, including crowded public transportation conditions and road closures, and a heightened security presence are expected near protest sites; business disruptions are possible throughout Hong Kong. Clashes between protesters and security forces, particularly in the evening, cannot be ruled out.

CHRF leader Jimmy Sham has also called for daily protests in front of the Legislative Council Complex. An online petition is also planning an overnight sit-in beginning on Tuesday, June 11, at 22:00. Police officers forcefully dispersing protesters overnight is possible.

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 localized transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence.