Hong Kong: Protesters clash with police officers November 11 /update 151

Event

Demonstrations are ongoing throughout Hong Kong as of 11:00 (local time) on Monday, November 11. Tensions increased earlier this morning after a protester was reportedly shot by a police officer in Sai Wan Ho. The area of the shooting has been cordoned off but protesters continue to gather in the area. Police officers are firing tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds. According to media reports, the demonstrator who was shot is in critical condition at the hospital. 

Students are also protesting at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Polytechnic University. A fire has been reported on the footbridge between Polytechnic University and the Hung Hom MTR station after a protester threw a petrol bomb. In Sha Tin, students have barricaded some roads leading into CUHK and are throwing projectiles at riot police, who have responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. In Tseung Kwan O, police have used tear gas at the intersection of Tong Ming and Tong Chun Street, as well as in Beverley Garden on Po Hong Road.

Significant transportation disruptions have also been reported in multiple areas. Earlier in the morning protesters blocked Tai Chung Kiu Road in Sha Tin as well as the intersection of King Ling Road and Choi Ming Street in Tseung Kwan O. As of 11:35, protesters have thrown debris on Lung Cheung Road to block traffic after riot police were deployed into Wong Tai Sin Square. MTR service disruptions are also ongoing as several stations have been closed as a precaution including Kwai Hing, Sai Wan Ho, Whampoa, Tung Chung, and Kwai Fong stations. Shuttle buses have replaced trains along some of the suspended lines. Further MTR service adjustments or closures are possible through Monday if the situation escalates. Up-to-date information on service information and station closures can be found on the MTR website.

Demonstrations are expected to take place over the coming days. A 40-hour prayer meeting is also set to take place at Edinburgh Place from 08:00 on Monday 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. However, further protests may occur with little warning.

A heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the political situation in the city 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 disruptions to transportation and business around protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.