09 Jun 2019 | 09:16 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Mass protests over extradition law cause significant disruptions June 9 /update 3
Hundreds of thousands march in Hong Kong over proposed extradition treaty on June 9; several MTR stations and roads closed
Event
Protesters are holding mass protests in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 9, over a proposed extradition treaty. Hundreds of thousands of people marched through streets from Causeway Bay to the Hong Kong Legislative Council Complex in Admiralty. March organizers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), estimated that 500,000 people would participate in the protests, which officially began at 14:30 (local time). Several MTR stations closed, including Causeway Bay, Tin Hau, and Mong Kok, and streets from Causeway Bay to Admiralty are closed to accommodate the protesters. Around 2000 security personnel are deployed to maintain order. Crowded conditions and significant transportation disruptions are expected to persist for the coming hours.
Context
Activists and lawyers have held multiple protests in recent months to denounce the proposed extradition law. The proposed law would allow Hong Kong to extradite people accused of crimes to China, Macau, and Taiwan on a case-by-case basis. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed when possession of Hong Kong transferred from the UK to China in 1997 and may be used to silent dissent of Chinese policies.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments to the situation, refrain from discussing politics in public or on social media, anticipate localized disruptions, and avoid all public gatherings as a precaution.
