Hong Kong: Protesters clash with police in Sheung Shui January 5 /update 185

Event

Police clashed with thousands of protesters in Sheung Shui in the afternoon (local time) on Sunday, January 5, who were marching against mainland Chinese shoppers and parallel traders. Police officials claim that demonstrators deviated from the authorized march route, leading officers to arrest approximately 50 protesters.

Activists have called for a protest at 15:00 on Sunday, January 12, at Edinburgh Place (Central). They are also planning another march on Sunday, January 19; participants are due to meet at 15:00 at Chater Road (Central), before heading to SOGO Department Store (Causeway Bay).

Students in Kowloon are also scheduling a protest at 14:00 on Thursday, January 23, in Carpenter Road Park.

A heightened security presence along with localized transportation and business disruptions are anticipated near all demonstration sites. Similar related protests are expected in the coming days and weeks. 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.