Hong Kong: Protest planned in Sai Wan Ho July 31 /update 39

Event

Anti-extradition bill activists are planning to protest outside the Eastern Magistrates' Courts in Sai Wan Ho on Wednesday, July 31, where 44 activists from the July 28 protest will be tried. Participants plan to meet at 09:00 (local time). A heightened security presence and transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near the demonstration site. Violence between police and demonstrators is possible.

Civil servants will also hold a rally on Friday, August 2, in Chater Garden (Central). Approximately 2000 Hong Kong government workers are expected to attend the rally in an unprecedented show of support for protesters.

Activists have called upon civil servants in seven districts (Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Po, Mong Kok, and Admiralty) to participate in a general strike beginning at 13:00 on Monday, August 5. The strike is intended to paralyze public transportation and draw attention to protesters' demands regarding the controversial extradition bill and recent police violence. Significant transportation disruptions are possible if the strike proceeds as planned.

Additional protests are planned over the coming weeks. Demonstrations are expected to be held in western Hong Kong Island and Tseung Kwan O on August 4, Wong Tai Sin and Tai Po on August 10, Sham Shui Po and eastern Hong Kong Island on August 11, Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan on August 17, and Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on August 18.

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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.

The demonstrations 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 21, a group of pro-government men armed with bars and sticks attacked protesters and commuters in Yuen Long, leaving 45 people injured. On July 27-28, police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters, marking another escalation in violence. Unidentified assailants reportedly fired fireworks at protesters in Tin Shui Wai on July 30.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations, and anticipate transportation and business disruptions.