12 Jul 2019 | 12:00 PM UTC
Hong Kong: New protests scheduled between July 12-28 /update 18
Protesters due to gather between July 12-28; localized disruptions and heightened security measures
Event
Groups opposing the extradition bill are calling for several protests across Hong Kong in the coming days. On Friday, July 12, members of Hong Kong University Students' Union are due to rally at Sun Yat Sen Plaza (Sheung Wan) at 20:00 (local time). There is also due to be a memorial ceremony on the same day between 14:00 and 22:00 at Java Road Playground near North Point on Hong Kong Island.
On Saturday, July 13, a demonstration is due in Sheung Shui (New Territories) at 15:30 beginning at North District Sports Ground.
Anti-extradition bill groups will also march in Sha Tin (New Territories) on Sunday, July 14, at 15:30 from Chui Tan Street soccer pitch in Tai Wai to Sha Tin government offices.
A civil society group representing elderly people plans to march at 17:00 on Wednesday, July 17, from Chater Garden to Government Headquarters.
According to social media reports, participants also plan to gather on Saturday, July 20, in Mong Kok (Kowloon) between 14:30 to 15:30 (local time). Organizers have not yet announced a specific location.
Messages circulating on social media show that a protest previously scheduled for Sunday, July 21, in Tseung Kwan O has been cancelled. However, the Civil Human Rights Front has announced a rally in Admiralty scheduled on the same day starting at 19:30 and ending at 21:00.
Another protest is due in To Kwa Wan (Kowloon) on Saturday, July 27, but organizers have not immediately announced an exact location or time.
On Sunday, July 28, activists are due to protest in Sai Wan (Hong Kong Island). Participants will meet at 15:30 at Exit 2 of the Sai Ying Pun MTR station and then march to Kennedy Town MTR station, via the Liaison Office.
A heightened security presence is expected at all demonstrations along with road closures, public transportation and business disruptions; clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Further demonstrations, marches, vigils, and altercations are likely across Hong Kong in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Protest activity has spread from Hong Kong Island in recent days with an estimated 250,000 people participating in a protest march in Kowloon on Sunday, July 7.
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 and other territories. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms and 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.
