Hong Kong: Further protests planned across Hong Kong October 14, 18 /update 125

Event

Activists have called for further protests across Hong Kong on Monday, October 14, and on Friday, October 18. Participants plan to gather at Chater Garden (Admiralty) at 19:00 (local time) on Monday. On Friday, activists have called for masked human chain protests across 18 districts starting at 20:00, but did not immediately announce further details. 

The MTR corporation announced at 05:00 on Monday that all MTR lines, Light Rail, and MTR buses will cease service after 22:00, and Airport Express trains will only run between the airport and Hong Kong stations, due to ongoing repair works. Activists and riot police clashed heavily on Sunday, October 13. Some protesters began vandalizing MTR stations and shops, threw petrol bombs at the Mong Kok police station (Kowloon), and erected road blocks. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, and arrested several people.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam is due to deliver her annual Policy Address on Wednesday, October 16. Further demonstrations are likely ahead of the Policy Address, and in the coming 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.