20 Sep 2019 | 02:08 PM UTC
Hong Kong: Further protests planned September 20-22 /update 95
Activist call for several protests on September 20-22; heightened security presence and associated disruptions expected
Event
Activists have called for a 16th consecutive weekend of protests from Friday, September 20, to Sunday, September 22.
Hong Kong police officials stated on Friday, that police may use live ammunition during protests in the coming round of protests amid escalation of violence.
Also on Friday, an assembly will be held in Chater Garden from 18:00 (local time) to 19:30, to oppose the dismissal of an activist by the HSBC group on Thursday, September 5.
On Saturday, September 21, protesters are planning several demonstrations, including another stress test at Hong Kong International Airport (KHG) that is due to begin at 13:00. Activists have also called for a march in Tuen Mun on Saturday at 15:00 starting at San Wo Lane and later proceeding to the Tuen Mun government offices. A sit-in is also expected to take place from 19:00 to 23:00 at Yuen Long Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Station, to remember the violent attacks that took place in Yuen Long MTR station on July 21.
On Sunday, a human chain will be held from 08:45 to 19:30 at Ma Tau Wai Road playground in To Kwa Wan.
Additional demonstrations are to be expected in Hong Kong over the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the situation fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are to be expected during periods of protest activity.
Context
On September 4, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed authorities in Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China and other territories. The bill sparked mass protests up to 2 million people throughout Hong Kong since June 9. However, protest actions have continued since the government's announcement, as protesters' demands evolved into a wider pro-democracy movement, calling for government reforms and police accountability over violence.
Demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. Activists have also accused the police of using unnecessary force in their attempts to disperse protesters.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for associated disruptions to transportation and business, allow additional time to reach HKG, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
