Hong Kong: Disruptions expected near Admiralty June 13 after violent protests /update 12

Event

Areas of Admiralty remained closed on Thursday, June 13, following a day of protests near the Legislative Council Complex. Authorities announced the closure of the Admiralty MTR station and central government offices for Thursday as police cleared barricades and debris on main roads in the area. Harcourt Road and Queensway are reportedly open as of the morning (local time) on Thursday.

The Legislative Council is scheduled to resume discussion of the controversial extradition bill at 11:00 on Thursday. Further protests and demonstrations are possible in the coming hours or days; clashes with security forces are possible. A heightened security presence and disruptions, including road and MTR closures, restricted areas, and traffic congestion, are expected.

Context

Tens of thousands of people participated in protests on Wednesday, June 12, in Admiralty, that turned violent in the afternoon as police clashed with protesters, using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and batons. At least 72 protesters were wounded in Wednesday's confrontations. Mass protests on Sunday, June 9, were largely peaceful and attended by up to 1.03 million people.

The recent demonstrations were in opposition to a controversial extradition bill that would allow Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China, along with Macau and Taiwan. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed by China in 1997 and may be used to silence dissent on Chinese policies.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, refrain from discussing political subjects in public or on social media, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, and anticipate transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence.