14 Sep 2019 | 02:36 PM UTC
Hong Kong: Protest planned at British Consulate General (Admiralty) September 15 /update 92
Protest planned at the British Consulate General (Admiralty) on September 15; additional protests possible despite police ban
Event
Protesters plan to gather outside of the British Consulate General (Admiralty) at 12:00 (local time) on Sunday, September 15. The protest is intended to urge the British government to take action to ensure that China honors the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration regarding Hong Kong's autonomy.
Hong Kong police officials issued a Letter of Objection on Thursday, September 12, for a Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) march in Central also scheduled to take place on Sunday from East Point Road (Causeway Bay) to Chater Road, starting at 15:00. Activists have filed an appeal for the protest. It is possible that the demonstration will be held even if the ban is not lifted.
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.
