05 Aug 2019 | 01:59 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Severe transportation disruptions during strike August 5 /update 44
Local media outlets report severe rail and flight disruptions, including cancelations, during strike on August 5; further delays and further cancelations expected
Event
Local media outlets are reporting that 209 flights to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) have been canceled as of 08:15 (local time) on Monday, August 5, due to the calls of anti-extradition bill activists for a general strike. Additional flight cancelations are expected on Tuesday, August 6. Several MTR lines, including Tsuen Wan Line, East Rail Line, and Tseung Kwan O, are out of service as of Monday morning in participation of the work stoppage.
Activists have called for multiple protests throughout Hong Kong on August 5:
• Tamar Park in Admiralty at 13:00
• Macpherson Playground in Mong Kok at 13:00
• Wong Tai Sin Square in Wong Tai Sin at 13:00
• Town Hall Plaza in Sha Tin at 13:00
• Tin Hau Temple Feng Shui Square in Tai Po at 13:00
• Tsuen Wan Park in Tsuen Wan at 13:00
• Tuen Mun Cultural Square in Tuen Mun at 15:00
A heightened security presence and further transportation disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days, particularly near protest sites. Violent clashes between police forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Additional protests are planned over the coming weeks. Demonstrations are expected to be held in 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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.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. Protesters destroyed several vehicles and set a fire outside a police station in Tsim Sha Tsui on August 3, leading to violent clashes between police forces and protesters late into the night. Police used tear gas against protesters and arrested at least 20 of them.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations, confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport, and anticipate transportation and business disruptions.
