10 Sep 2019 | 07:46 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Further protests scheduled in Hong Kong September 10, 13, and 15 /update 90
Activists call for several protests in Hong Kong on September 10, 13, and 15; heightened security presence and associated transport disruptions expected
Event
Activists have organized several protests in Hong Kong in the coming weeks to oppose the administration of Carrie Lam. Football fans have called for a protest on Tuesday, September 10, when Hong Kong is due to play a 2022 World Cup qualifier game against Iran. Participants plan to gather at the Causeway Bay MTR station (Hong Kong Island) at 19:00 (local time) and then march to Hong Kong Stadium (Hong Kong Island). On Friday, September 13, activists plan to hold sit-ins at 19:00 in all shopping malls linked to MTR stations with the intention of disrupting businesses in order to exert pressure on the rail operator to address the death of a protester at Prince Edward station in Mong Kok (Kowloon) on Saturday, August 31. Several civil society groups are due to protest on Sunday, September 15, as of 19:00 at Chater Garden (Hong Kong Island).
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, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
