Hong Kong: Riot police dispatched in Hong Kong due to spontaneous gathering October 26 /update 137

Event

Riot police was dispatched in Hong Kong's Yuen Long neighborhood on the evening (local time) of Saturday, October 26, after protesters gathered spontaneously. Online sources have shared that police are cordoning off some of the inner streets of Yuen Long and have threatened to arrest protesters for disorderly conduct. No violence has yet been reported. Another scheduled protest on Saturday was planned at 13:00 at Tamar Park in Admiralty. 

Additional protests are scheduled for Sunday, October 27, called by the Stand With Journalists Hong Kong group in Tsim Sha Tsui. They seek to denounce police brutality at Salisbury Garden at 15:00. Activists have called for a memorial demonstration at 16:00 at Kwun Tong Promenade (Kowloon), also 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.