Hong Kong: Further protests planned September 28-29 /update 100

Event

Activists have called for a 17th consecutive weekend of protests from Saturday, September 28, to Sunday, September 29.

Authorities have reportedly granted a permit for a rally to take place in Admiralty on Saturday. Thousands of participants are expected to gather at Tamar Park, near the headquarters of Hong Kong's Legislative Council. Saturday marks the fifth anniversary of the "Umbrella" pro-democracy protests in 2014 that occupied parts of the city.

Rallies are also expected on Sunday to mark Global Anti-Totalitarianism Day. Demonstrators plan to march from Causeway Bay to the Central Government Complex in Admiralty.

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, budget additional time to reach Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.