30 Sep 2019 | 09:50 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Strike and protests planned September 30-October 1 /update 103
Activists call for protests and strike on September 30-October 1; heightened security presence and associated disruptions expected; clashes between demonstrators and police possible
Event
Activists have called for a strike and several protests to take place from Monday, September 30, through Tuesday, October 1.
Protesters are expected to hold a dead city strike across Hong Kong throughout the day on Monday. Furthermore, school students are expected to strike from 12:30 to 17:30 (local time) and a Human Chain blockade will be held at Hong Kong Clock Tower from 19:30 to 22:00.
On Tuesday, additional rallies are also expected. Protesters are expected to gather at the Avenue of Stars at 07:00 amid celebrations of the Chinese National Day Carnival. At 12:00, a gathering will take place in front of the British-General Consulate. From 13:00 to 23:59, protesters will gather at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), while a protest march will take place from 14:00 from Victoria Park to Chater Road. A five-district rally will also take place as of 13:30 from Tsuen Wan, Shatin, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, and Wan Chai. Finally, at 20:00, a candlelight vigil will be held for the protest victims at the Harbourfront of the Victoria Harbour.
A heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the situation fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are to be expected during all 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.
