Hong Kong: Clashes reported in Sheung Shui December 28 /update 182

Event

Police forces reportedly used batons and pepper spray against protesters who targeted Landmark North mall in Sheung Shui near the Chinese border in the afternoon (local time) of Saturday, December 28. Several individuals were arrested, and shops forced to close. Protesters were then reportedly blocking a footbridge linking the mall to an MTR metro station. Similar clashes also took place in Telford Plaza mall in Kowloon Bay district, where a number of people were arrested Saturday evening. Demonstrators have been targeting malls across Hong Kong since earlier this week.

A heightened security presence along with localized transportation and business disruptions are anticipated near all demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Pro-democracy candidates won 389 of the 452 seats in the territory's district council elections on November 24. The pro-democracy movement victory and the high turnout (71%) of the vote suggest that the public continues to support protests, although tensions have significantly escalated across Hong Kong since November 11, after a police officer shot a protester in Sai Wan Ho.

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 protester 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 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, confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport, 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.