Hong Kong: Competing rallies scheduled in Hong Kong July 20-21 /update 22

Event

Two rallies will be held in Hong Kong by rival groups on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21. A pro-government demonstration is planned for 17:00 (local time) in Tamar Park in Admiralty on Saturday. The event, called "Safeguard HK" is being planned by pro-Beijing lawmakers.

The following day, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is calling for protesters to gather at Victoria Park at 15:00 before marching to the Court of Final Appeal by Chater Garden. Police have been preparing for the protest by moving and erecting barriers around Admiralty, particularly near the government offices. A heightened security presence as well as business and transportation disruptions, including crowded MTR trains, closed stations, and road closures, including the Queensway and Harcourt Road. Clashes between protesters and police are possible.

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 and other territories. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms and be used to silence dissent and criticism. The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.

Protests have become more violent in recent weeks, with clashes at Sha Tin on July 14 resulting in the hospitalization of 22 people. Protesters have accused police of "kettling," or blocking all exits of a certain space.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments to 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 near any protest events.