Hong Kong: Protesters move on LegCo building July 1 /update 8

Event

Demonstrators attempted to enter the LegCo complex in Admiralty at approximately 13:30 (local time) on Monday, July 1, as other groups continue to occupy main streets in the area. Hundreds of police officers reportedly deployed around the LegCo building and may attempted to forcibly disperse the crowd. Pro-democracy legislators attempted to calm the crowd outside the building, but some demonstrators attempted to force their way in. Barricades erected by demonstrators continue to block sections of Harcourt Road, Lung Wo Road, and Tim Mei Avenue. A significant security presence also remains around the Hong Kong Convention Centre and inside the LegCo building. Tension are reportedly rising, and the situation may escalate with little warning in the coming hours. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is still planning an annual protest march starting at 14:30 from Victoria Park in Causeway Bay to the LegCo building. Significant disruptions, including road and MRT station closures, are expected around the protest. Increased traffic on cross-harbor tunnels is also anticipated.

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.

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.