Hong Kong: Police ban planned July 27 protest march in Yuen Long /update 29

Event

The Hong Kong police issued a ban on a protest march planned for Saturday, July 27, in Yuen Long (New Territories), fearing further violence after violent clashes took place between a large group of men in white shirts and returning protesters in the Yuen Long MTR station on Sunday, July 21. Reports indicate that the ban might fuel tensions between protesters and security forces.

It remains unclear if protesters will decide to take to the streets despite the ban; any public demonstrations may result in violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Localized transportation and business disruptions are also possible.

Furthermore, anti-extradition activists announced a protest in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) for Friday, July 26. The rally will take place at Terminal 1 arrival area from 13:00 to 23:59 (local time). Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union also confirmed their participation in the protests and other airport workers may also join. The demonstration may be however called off. If it proceeds, a heightened security presence, crowded conditions, and transportation disruptions are likely in and around HKG; disruptions to flights and airport services, including flight delays and cancelations, increased security measures, and long lines and airport service disruptions are also possible.

Further protests are planned in the coming weeks. On Sunday, July 28, a demonstration will be held in Sheung Wan from 15:00. Protests are also planned for western Hong Kong Island and Tseung Kwan O on August 4, Wong Tai Sin and Tai Po on August 10, Sham Shui Po and eastern Hong Kong Island on August 11, Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan on August 17, and Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on August 18. 

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 and other territories. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms and be used to silence dissent and criticism. The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.

Protests have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. On July 14, clashes between police and protesters in a Sha Tin shopping mall left 22 people hospitalized. On July 22, a group of pro-government men armed with poles attacked protesters and commuters in Yuen Long, hospitalizing 45 people. On July 21, returning protesters were attacked by a group of 100 men in the Yuen Long MTR station, leaving 45 people injured.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong or traveling through HKG are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flight and airport service disruptions, a heightened security presence, and crowded conditions at HKG, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political subjects in public or on social media, remain vigilant for criminal and violent behavior, particularly during scheduled protest days and even in areas away from protest sites.