15 Sep 2019 | 03:18 PM UTC
Hong Kong: Protesters and police clash in Admiralty September 15 /update 93
Anti-government protesters and police clash in Admiralty September 15; lingering transportation and business disruptions to be expected around protest sites
Event
Protesters and police clashed in Admiralty on Sunday, September 15, amid the 15th consecutive weekend of anti-government demonstrations. On Sunday morning (local time), protesters rallied outside the British Consulate General despite a police ban, demanding the British government press China to honor the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration regarding Hong Kong's autonomy. Hundreds of protesters later targeted government offices in the district, reportedly hurling petrol bombs and bricks, prompting police to respond with water cannon and tear gas. Clashes were also reported in nearby Wan Chai district, including in Causeway Bay, where demonstrators set fires and erected roadblocks.
A heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the situation fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are to be expected in Hong Kong 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.
