29 Sep 2019 | 08:14 AM UTC
Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas at protesters September 29 /update 102
Security forces fire tear gas at protesters in Admiralty, Causeway Bay, and other downtown areas on September 29; clashes between demonstrators and police possible
Event
Demonstrations in downtown Hong Kong are ongoing in multiple areas as of 16:00 (local time) on Sunday, September 29. Riot police have reportedly fired tear gas at crowds gathering in Causeway Bay, Pacific Place, near the Legislative Council building in Admiralty, around the Wan Chai MTR station, and on Harcourt Road, among other areas. According to social media posts, rubber bullets have also been fired in Wan Chai, where at least two petrol bombs were thrown into the MTR station. Additional protesters are reportedly gathering in the downtown area despite police warnings to disperse. An escalation in clashes between demonstrators and security forces are possible in the coming hours. Associated business and transportation disruptions, including road and MTR station closures, are likely.
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 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 evolved 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, prepare for associated disruptions to transportation and business, budget additional time to reach Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
