Hong Kong: Further protest reported in Hong Kong September 9 /update 89

Event

Hundreds of students reportedly formed a human chain in Hong Kong in the early morning (local time) on Monday, September 9, to show support for recent anti-government protests.

This protest comes after a demonstration was violently dispersed by police forces a day prior on Sunday, September 8, causing the closure of several metro stations in the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) network. The stations have reportedly reopened since.

Additional demonstrations are to be expected in Hong Kong over the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the situation fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are to be expected during periods of protest activity.

Context

On September 4, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed authorities in Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China and other territories. The bill had sparked mass protests up to 2 million people throughout Hong Kong since June 9. However, protest actions have continued since the government's announcement, as protesters' demands morphed into a wider pro-democracy movement, calling for government reforms and police accountability over violence.

Demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. Activists have also accused the police of using unnecessary force in their attempts to disperse protesters.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, budget extra travel time to HKG, prepare for associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.