Hong Kong: Police forcibly disperse sit-in at Yuen Long Station (New Territories) October 21 /update 134

Event

Riot police fired tear gas to forcibly disperse a sit-in at the Yuen Long Station (New Territories) on the evening (local time) of Monday, October 21. The sit-in was organized to commemorate the three-month anniversary of the attack on protesters and commuters at the station that injured at least 45 people. At approximately 20:00 on Monday, protesters occupied a section of Castle Peak Road in Yuen Long district and set up makeshift barricades to halt traffic. Further clashes were reported at the Hong Lok Road Station after a protester reportedly threw a petrol bomb. All MTR, Light Rail, and bus services - except the Airport Express - ceased operations at 22:00 to allow for repair work 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.

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.