Hong Kong: Anti-violence protest planned in Yuen Long July 28 /update 26

Event

Protesters announced a new rally in Yuen Long (New Territories) scheduled for Sunday, July 28, in response to violent attacks in the neighborhood on Sunday night (local time), July 21. No further details on location or time are available. Previously scheduled protests on Saturday, July 27, and Sunday in Hung Hom (Kowloon) and Tseung Kwan O (New Territories) have been tentatively rescheduled for August 17. A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are likely during the protest; clashes with police and pro-government groups cannot be ruled out.

At least 45 people were hospitalized following attacks on protesters and commuters in Yuen Long on July 21, following a large protest march on Hong Kong Island that drew an estimated 400,000 people. A large group of men wearing white shirts attacked people in the Yuen Long MTR station and on the street with metal rods and bamboo poles as protesters were returning from the rally. Further violent attacks are possible, particularly on protest days, and may occur in locations far from protest sites.

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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.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 spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. On July 14, clashes between police and protesters in a Sha Tin shopping mall left 22 people hospitalized. On July 22, a group of pro-government men armed with poles attacked protesters and commuters in Yuen Long, hospitalizing 45 people.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political subjects in public or on social media, anticipate transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence near protest sites, and remain vigilant for criminal and violent behavior, particularly during scheduled protest days.