Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas at protesters in Causeway Bay November 2 /update 142

Event

As of 16:20 (local time) on Saturday, November 2, tens of thousands of people are marching in Hong Kong despite a police ban. Local police officers have fired tear gas at protesters on Hennessy Road and Causeway Road in Causeway Bay. Videos circulating on social media show that activists are marching towards North Point. More protests are due to begin at 17:00 at Edinburgh Place (Central) and at Chater Garden. 

Activists are also calling for a demonstration on Saturday, November 9, to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. Participants plan to gather at 15:00 at Edinburgh Place (Central), where they are due to rally while building and eventually tearing down a wall until 21:30.

Demonstrations are expected to continue over the near term and may occur with little warning. Rail disruptions are expected 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.