Hong Kong: Commemorative event planned in Tseung Kwan O November 8 /update 146

Event

A commemorative event is scheduled to take place in Tseung Kwan O at 20:00 (local time) on Friday, November 8, after a Hong Kong University of Science and Technology student died from injuries sustained after falling off of a car park on Sunday, November 3. The student fell from the third floor of the Sheung Tak car park to the second during a protest. Activists claim that police officers delayed paramedics from taking the student to the hospital. Police officials have denied the accusation. According to social media posts, the event will be held outside of the Sheung Tak car park.

Further demonstrations are expected to be held through Wednesday, November 13. On Friday evening, students are planning to rally in Kwun Tong. An event to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall is scheduled to be held at Edinburgh Place (Central) from 15:00 until 21:30. A 40-hour prayer meeting is also set to take place at Edinburgh Place from 08:00 on Monday, November 11, to 09:00 on Tuesday, November 12, and from 07:00-21:00 on Wednesday, November 13. Another rally is expected to be held outside Kwai Chung Plaza at 19:00 on November 12.

Demonstrations are expected to continue over the near term and may occur with little warning. Rail disruptions are also possible in the coming days and weeks. 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, 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.