20 Oct 2019 | 03:17 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Activist stabbed ahead of opposition march October 20 /update 131
An opposition activist was stabbed on October 19 while handing out leaflets for October 20 march; heightened security and associated disruptions expected in coming hours
Event
A 19-year-old pro-democracy activist was stabbed at around 17:42 (local time) near Tai Po Market MTR station (New Territories) on Saturday, October 19. The pro-China attacker stabbed the activist who was handing out leaflets for the march scheduled for Sunday, October 20, in the neck and abdomen before police arrested him. The incident may trigger associated demonstrations.
Despite police banning the October 20 opposition march organized by the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), lead activists have urged supporters to participate. Activists plan to gather at 13:30 at Salisbury Garden (Tsim Sha Shui) before marching to West Kowloon station. The MTR Corporation announced as of 10:23 on Sunday that the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, and Austin and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations will close from 12:00 ahead of the scheduled march, while the Airport Express will serve the Airport and Hong Kong stations only from 13:00. All MTR, Light Rail, and bus services will cease operations from 22:00 due to repair works following violent protests. Up-to-date information on service information and station closures can be found on the MTR website. Continued rail disruptions are expected in the coming days.
Further demonstrations are expected to take place in the coming days. A sit-in is scheduled to take place at 19:00 on Monday, October 21, at Yuen Long MTR Station (New Territories) to commemorate the mob attack that took place there three months prior.
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 of 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.
Individuals are also advised to avoid wearing black and white colors around protest zones or rallies as they are associated with protesters.
