Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Kowloon August 10 /update 49

Event

Police in Hong Kong fired tear gas at demonstrators in the Kowloon area on Saturday, August 10, amid anti-government protests that continued into late Saturday night (local time). Demonstrators reportedly protested across Hong Kong on Saturday, with thousands of people protesting at the arrivals hall in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and hundreds marching in Tai Po. Those marching in Tai Po were reportedly later dispersed by police tear gas in Tai Wai as part of an apparent cat-and-mouse sequence across the city between gathering and regathering demonstrators and security forces who sought to disperse them.

Activists have also called for a protest in Sham Shui Po starting at 14:30 on Sunday, August 11. Another rally on the same day is also scheduled in the east of Hong Kong Island starting at 13:00. Organizers did not immediately clarify the exact locations of either protest.

Additional protests are planned over the coming weeks. Demonstrations are expected to be held in Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan on August 17, and Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on August 18. A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near all protest sites. Clashes between police forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.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 ignited 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, particularly in areas affected by protest activity.