Hong Kong: New protests scheduled for July 14 /update 15

Event

Civil society groups in Hong Kong are planning to hold another demonstration in the Sha Tin area of the New Territories on Sunday, July 14. According to preliminary information, the rally will start at 15:30 (local time). As of Tuesday, July 9, the exact location and time has yet to be announced as the organizers are waiting for permission from the police to hold the demonstration. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions, such as road and rail station closures, are anticipated in the area if the protest is held. Clashes between police officers and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held since June 9 in opposition to a controversial 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 and criticism. Protest organizers claim that 250,000 people marched through Kowloon on July 7.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, and anticipate localized transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence.