16 Jul 2019 | 04:33 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Twin protests planned in Central July 17 /update 20
Protesters plan demonstrations at Chater Garden and Hong Kong Convention Center on July 17; further protests planned in coming days
Event
Anti-extradition bill protesters are planning two demonstrations on Wednesday, July 17, in Central. Protesters are planning to disrupt the annual Hong Kong Book Fair held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. It is unclear how police and event security may respond to the planned demonstrations, which will likely involve blocking booths and building Lennon Walls, displays of slogans and messages written on post-it notes. The fair is expected to run from Wednesday until Tuesday, July 23.
Additionally, a silent march by a group of elderly protesters is scheduled on Wednesday at 17:00 (local time) from Chater Garden to Tamar Park. Heightened security and localized disruptions are possible at both events.
Further protests are planned in the coming days and weeks across Hong Kong, notably a mass rally in Admiralty on Sunday, July 21, organized by Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF). Other demonstrations will be held in To Kaw Wan and Tseung Kwan O on Sunday, July 28.
Context
A Beijing-owned company controls approximately 90 percent of Hong Kong's publishing industry and is criticized for censorship.
Protest activities have spread from Hong Kong Island in recent days with an estimated 250,000 participating in a protest march in Kowloon on Sunday, July 7, and 115,000 marching in Sha Tin (New Territories) on Sunday, July 14.
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.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments to 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 near any protest events.
