Hong Kong: Harcourt Road reopens in Admiralty following protests June 17 /update 20

Event

Harcourt Road in Admiralty reopened around 10:45 (local time) on Monday, June 17, as protesters ended a road blockade. The remaining protesters peacefully dispersed after a full day and night of large demonstrations, allowing police to reopen the highway to vehicular traffic. A small number of remaining protesters relocated to Tim Mei Avenue, near the Legislative Council Complex. A heightened security presence is expected in the area; further demonstrations and associated disruptions are possible in the coming hours and days.

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.