Hong Kong: Protesters march towards Admiralty November 11 /update 152

Event

Protests continue to spread to multiple parts of Hong Kong as of 14:30 (local time) on Monday, November 11. As of 14:17, thousands of people are marching towards Admiralty in the downtown area along Pedder Street and Connaught Road, causing significant traffic disruptions in Central. A rally is also being held at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan, where a protester who was shot by police officers on Monday morning in Sai Wan Ho is being treated. Students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) also continue to clash with police near the university and a bridge leading to Tolo Harbour. Police have reportedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas as the protesters respond with bricks and other debris.

Significant transportation disruptions are also ongoing in multiple areas as protesters block roads with debris. Lung Cheung Road in Chuk Un has been covered in bricks after police officers withdrew from the area MTR service disruptions are also ongoing as several stations have been closed as a precaution including Kwai Hing, Sai Wan Ho, 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.