22 Jun 2019 | 11:57 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Rally to support police held in Central June 22 /update 24
Thousands attend ongoing rally in support of police offices at Chater Gardens in Central on June 22; localized disruptions expected
Event
Tens of thousands of people are participating in a rally in support of police officers in Central Hong Kong on Saturday, June 22. Organizers claim 80,000 people arrived at Chater Garden for the demonstration, which is scheduled for 18:30 to 21:00 (local time). Localized transportation disruptions are likely near the event.
Context
Mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held since June 9 in opposition to a controversial extradition bill that would allow Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China, along with Macau and Taiwan. On June 21, thousands of protesters blockaded and vandalized the police headquarters to decry police tactics used in previous protests, including rubber bullets, tear gas, and baton charges. 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, refrain from discussing sensitive topics in public or on social media, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate localized disruptions.
