Hong Kong: Protests planned in Central July 5 and Tsim Sha Tsui July 7 /update 12

Event

A civil society group known as Hong Kong Mothers is calling for a protest at 19:00 (local time) on Friday, July 5, at Chater Garden (Central) in solidarity with young protesters opposing the extradition bill. 

Anti-extradition bill activists have also called for a march in Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) on Sunday, July 7. Though organizers have not yet announced the official march route, local media report that the march is due to begin in Salisbury Garden and then head to the West Kowloon railway station.

Heightened security measures are likely and police officers may try to forcibly disperse crowds; clashes between security personnel and protesters cannot be ruled out. Localized disruptions are expected, including road closures and crowded conditions on public transportation.

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.