Hong Kong: Pro-democracy protesters gather in IFC (Central district) on June 5, additional demonstrations planned June 5-7 /update 212

Event

Pro-democracy protesters marched through the International Financial Center (IFC) in Central district on Friday, June 5. Dozens of participants gathered between 13:00 and 14:00 (local time); the rally remained peaceful. An additional demonstration is expected to be held in Quarry Bay on Friday, between 18:30 and 20:30.

Unconfirmed reports on social media outlets suggest that several demonstrations have also been planned for Sunday, June 7, in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central districts. Reports indicate that participants will gather at the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui and march towards Anchor Street playground and football stadium in Tai Kok Tsui. In Central, unconfirmed reports indicate a demonstration has been scheduled at Chater Garden between 13:00 and 15:00 in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest movement amid ongoing unrest taking place in the United States over the police-related death of George Floyd.

Further demonstrations and associated disruptions and unrest are likely in the near term.

Context

Demonstrations have been held throughout Hong Kong since June 2019 to protest a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed authorities in Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China and other territories. While the bill was withdrawn in September, mass protests continue to be organized to demand government reforms and police accountability over violence since the start of the demonstrations.

After a break in protests due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, demonstrations have increased in frequency since the relaxation of COVID-19 measures in late April. There has also been an uptick in protest activity since Beijing proposed introducing a controversial new security law in May 2020. However, as of May 28, public gatherings of more than eight people remain forbidden due to the virus.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.