Hong Kong: Journalists plan opposition protest in Tsim Sha Tsui October 27 /update 136

Event

The Stand With Journalists Hong Kong group has called for a protest in Tsim Sha Tsui on Sunday, October 27, to denounce police brutality. Participants plan to gather at Salisbury Garden at 15:00 (local time).

Further protests are due throughout Hong Kong between Thursday, October 24, through Sunday, October 27. Activists are planning to meet on Thursday at 19:00 at Chater Garden in Central in solidarity with the Catalonia independence protests. On Saturday, October 26, an anti-communism and anti-totalitarianism protest is scheduled at 13:00 at Tamar Park in Admiralty. Another demonstration organized by healthcare workers is scheduled later on the same day at 19:00, although organizers did not immediately announce a meeting location. Activists have called for a memorial demonstration at 16:00 at Kwun Tong Promenade (Kowloon) on Sunday. Further protests are possible in other urban areas in the coming days. 

Continued rail disruptions are expected in the coming days. Up-to-date information on service information and station closures can be found on the MTR website.

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. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

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.