Hong Kong: Demonstrators move to police headquarters June 21 /update 23

Event

Protesters in Hong Kong have moved down Harcourt Road and have erected barricades outside of the police headquarters as of 12:00 (local time) on Friday, June 21. According to local media reports, thousands of demonstrators are allowing people with business to pass through the lines as well as officers on foot. However, most lanes of traffic on Queensway next to the building have been blocked. Traffic is still being diverted from Harcourt Road after the demonstrators blocked most lanes of traffic while marching towards the police headquarters. Significant traffic disruptions are expected in the area as well as a heightened police presence. Further transportation disruptions are possible in the coming hours depending on where the crowd moves. While the protest has remained peaceful, clashes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out if tensions escalate.

Context

Protesters asked the government meet several demands by Thursday, June 20, including permanently scrapping the controversial extradition bill, the resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam, an investigation into the police response to previous protests, and the release of demonstrators detained by the police.

Mass demonstrations of up to a million people have been held since June 9 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.