Hong Kong: Tens of thousands of protesters march in Kwun Tong August 24 /update 65

Event

Crowds are gathering in Kwun Tong area of Hong Kong as of 16:00 (local time) on Saturday, August 24, to protest police brutality and to call for the government to meet their other demands. According to local reports, tens of thousands of people are marching down Sheung Yee Road and the Kwun Tong Promenade. Demonstrators have also gathered outside of the Ngau Tau Kok police station and in the MegaBox shopping center. It is possible that the crowds will continue to grow and spread into other nearby areas, including the downtown area. A heightened police presence has been reported in Kwun Tong, particularly near the Ngau Tau Kok police station. While the march has remained peaceful, clashes between police officers and protesters cannot be ruled out.

On Sunday, August 25, protesters will hold a Kwai Tsing Green Parade starting from Kwai Fong (South) Bus Terminus through to Tsuen Wan Park. The event is scheduled to begin at 15:00. Additional marches are scheduled to be held on Sunday in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing, as well as by relatives of police officers at Edinburgh Place (Central).   

On Saturday, August 31, protesters will hold a rally at Chater Garden as of 14:00 and will later proceed to the Liaison Office.

Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations. Clashes between security personnel and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held in Hong Kong since June 9, in opposition to a controversial bill that would allow authorities in 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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn. Demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. 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. Activists have also accused the police of using unnecessary force in their attempts to disperse protesters.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong and those traveling via HKG are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations, prepare for lingering flight disruptions, and contact their airlines to confirm or modify flight reservations.