Hong Kong: Police disperse protesters in Kowloon July 7 /update 14

Event

Police have reportedly begun dispersing demonstrators along Nathan Road and Sai Yeung Choi Street in Kowloon as of 23:00 (local time) on Sunday, July 7, as protests against the controversial extradition bill continue. Security forces have arrested several people, according to local sources, announcing that the protest has developed into an unauthorized demonstration and riot. Large crowds and associated disruptions, including road closures and public transportation congestion and partial station closures, are expected in the coming hours along with a heightened security presence.

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. Protest organizers contend that 250,000 people marched through Kowloon on July 7.

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.