Hong Kong: Protesters erect roadblocks in Hong Kong October 12 /update 124

Event

Authorities in Hong Kong stated that a petrol bomb was launched into the Kowloon Tong MTR station around 15:00 (local time) on Saturday, October 12, as demonstrators protest the recent government ban on wearing masks and the implementation of other emergency powers. No injuries were reported in the incident, though significant damage was. Road blockades were also reported in Prince Edward and other parts of the city as protesters made their way from the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower to to the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground in protest.

Another protest has been reported at police headquarters in Wan Chai, as the "Silver-Haired Marchers" hold a 48-hour sit-in. Other protests are possible across the territory with little to no notice.

Another rally is set to take place from 20:00 and 21:00 in the atrium of New Town Plaza in the Shatin district. Demonstrators are also planning to start a 48-hour sit-in protest outside of the police headquarters in Wan Chai from 14:00 on Saturday until 14:00 on Monday, October 14.

Online sources also reported that riot police have closed Nathan Road. Other associated transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence is to be expected throughout the day.

On Sunday, October 13, 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.

MTR service remains limited on Saturday, with all MTR lines, Light Rail, and MTR buses ending service at 22:00. Starting at 15:00 on Saturday, Airport Express trains will only run between the airport and Hong Kong stations. Similar MTR disruptions are anticipated in the coming days.

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.