Hong Kong: Clashes reported after thousands protest across the city August 5 /update 45

Event

Various media reports have indicated that protesters and riot police have clashed in various areas of the city on Monday, August 5. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered on Monday for multiple protests across Hong Kong, during which police have attempted to disperse crowds in various areas of the city using tear gas.

Reports also indicate that at least two vehicles have rammed through roadblocks, narrowly missing crowds of protesters. No injuries have been reported. System-wide transportation disruptions have also been reported throughout the city, including air, road, and rail, with many services suspended in anticipation of the protest. Several MTR lines, including Tsuen Wan Line, East Rail Line, and Tseung Kwan O, are out of service as of Monday morning in participation of the work stoppage. Additional flight cancellations are expected on Tuesday, August 6. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam declared that the city is on the verge of a dangerous situation.

A heightened security presence and further transportation disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days, particularly near protest sites. Continued violent clashes between police forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Additional protests are planned over the coming weeks. Demonstrations are expected to be held in 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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.

The demonstrations 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 21, a group of pro-government men armed with bars and sticks attacked protesters and commuters in Yuen Long, leaving 45 people injured. On July 27-28, police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters, marking another escalation in violence. Unidentified assailants reportedly fired fireworks at protesters in Tin Shui Wai on July 30. Protesters destroyed several vehicles and set a fire outside a police station in Tsim Sha Tsui on August 3, leading to violent clashes between police forces and protesters late into the night. Police used tear gas against protesters and arrested at least 20 of them.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations, confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport, and anticipate transportation and business disruptions.