Hong Kong: Additional demonstrations scheduled October 12-13 /update 122

Event

Opposition activists have scheduled additional protests in Hong Kong on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. On Saturday, protesters are expected to rally between 20:00 and 21:00 (local time) in the atrium of New Town Plaza in the Shatin district. On Sunday, frontline medical workers will hold a territory-wide strike, while a group of protesters are scheduled to march from Victoria Park (Causeway Bay) to Edinburgh Place (Central) from 19:00 to 23:00.

Disruptions to Hong Kong's MTR system are also ongoing as of Friday, October 11, with Light Rail routes 614, 615, 705, and 751P suspended through the day due to repairs. Following serious damage on the stations during previous demonstrations, Light Rail vehicles will not service the Yau Oi, Tin Wing, Ginza, Tin Wu, Tin Tsz, and Tin Shui Wai stops. The MTR Corporation has announced that service for all MTR lines, Light Rail, and MTR buses will end at 22:00 on Friday. Airport Express service, however, will not be affected. Similar service disruptions are likely in the coming days as repairs continues.

Further demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks throughout Hong Kong and may occur with little notice. Clashes between protesters and security forces are likely.

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.