Hong Kong: Fresh protests announced, including transportation blockades to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) August 22-31 /update 64

Event

Further anti-government protests have been announced in Hong Kong over the coming several days.

Secondary school students plan to march through Central on Thursday, August 22, from 15:00-19:30, starting at Edinburgh Place.

Accountants are expected to rally in Central at Chater Garden at 12:30 on Friday, August 23, before traveling to the government headquarters. Activists also plan to hold a human chain rally under the banner "Hong Kong Way" on Friday along the Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, and Island MTR lines from 19:00 until 21:00. Protesters will hold hands along the sidewalks at all stations on the aforementioned MTR lines to peacefully protest in support of democracy.

On Saturday, August 24, a rally will be held at Chun Yip street playground in Kwun Tong starting at 13:00. Participants will then start marching at 13:30 to the Kwun Tong Swimming Pool. Protests will also hold two separate protests that seek to block access to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) August 24. This will involve protesters blocking transportation access to the airport, including on trains, buses, and roads. The first blockade will start from 07:00 to 11:00, while the second will be held from 12:00 to 23:30. These blockades may result in clashes with police.

On Sunday, August 25, protesters will hold a Kwai Tsing Green Parade starting from Kwai Fong (South) Bus Terminus through to Tsuen Wan Park. The event is scheduled to begin at 15:00. Additional marches are scheduled to be held on Sunday in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing, as well as by relatives of police officers at Edinburgh Place (Central).   

On Saturday, August 31, protesters will hold a rally at Chater Garden as of 14:00 and will later proceed to the Liaison Office.

Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations. Clashes between security personnel and demonstrators cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held in Hong Kong since June 9, in opposition to a controversial bill that would allow authorities in 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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn. Demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. 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. Activists have also accused the police of using unnecessary force in their attempts to disperse protesters.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong and those traveling via HKG are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations, prepare for lingering flight disruptions, and contact their airlines to confirm or modify flight reservations.