Hong Kong: Smaller protests close roads in Admiralty June 17 /update 19

Event

Small groups of protesters continued to hold demonstrations in Admiralty overnight and into the morning (local time) of Monday, June 17. As of 08:15, several hundred protesters gathered on Harcourt Road along with large numbers of security forces. Police have reportedly opened the Queensway and Lung Wo Road. There have been no reports of violence and the situation remains calm, though clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Further protest events are likely later in the day. Associated disruptions to businesses and transportation are expected; central government offices will remain closed on Monday, per a government statement released at 06:00. 

Context

Lam announced on Saturday, June 15, that the controversial extradition bill has been indefinitely suspended. However, protesters are demanding for the law to be permanently scrapped. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Admiralty on June 12, where at least 72 people were wounded in clashes with security forces. Smaller, peaceful protests were held on Thursday, June 13. 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.