Hong Kong: Demonstrators reportedly breach inside of parliament building July 1 /update 10

Event

Hundreds of demonstrators reportedly stormed the Legislative Council (LegCo) building at approximately 21:00 (local time) on Monday, July 1, causing widespread property destruction. According to local sources, protesters have breached through several points of the LegCo building and have vandalized the entrance hall, library, and legislative chamber, forcing police to retreat. The violence comes as thousands continue to rally in the Admiralty, including on Harcourt Road, and at Victoria Park, amid the anniversary of Hong Kong returning to Chinese control.

Tension remain high, particularly around the LegCo complex, and the situation may escalate further with little warning around the protest sites. Significant transportation disruptions are ongoing in Admiralty, including road closures and crowded conditions on public transportation as more people move to join the demonstrations. Heightened security measures remain in place and police officers may use force to disperse the crowds in the coming hours; clashes between security personnel and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held since June 9 in opposition to a controversial 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 and criticism.

Advice

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