Hong Kong: Protesters clash with police September 21 /update 97

Event

Clashes broke out between protesters and police in Hong Kong on Saturday, September 21, amid the 16th consecutive weekend of anti-government protests. At least one person was arrested after violence erupted following an afternoon march in Tuen Mun district. Some protesters reportedly hurled gasoline bombs and bricks toward police, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas. Scuffles between demonstrators and police were reported elsewhere in the city, notably in Mong Kok and Yuen Long.

Further demonstrations are expected in the coming days. On Sunday, September 22, a human chain will be held from 08:45 (local time) to 19:30 at Ma Tau Wai Road playground in To Kwa Wan. On Saturday, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced special measures for rail services ahead of Sunday's planned demonstration. Beginning at 09:00 on Sunday, airport-bound trains will skip Kowloon, Tsing Yi, and AsiaWorld-Expo stations, and will only take passengers from Hong Kong station. City-bound trains will only stop at Hong Kong station, while the city check-in service at Kowloon station will be suspended for the day.

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.