Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas at protesters in Tsim Sha Tsui (New Territories) October 20 /update 132

Event

Several thousand people are participating in an opposition march in Tsim Sha Tsui (New Territories) organized by the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) as of 15:30 (local time) on Sunday, October 20, despite a police ban on the gathering. Activists dressed in black began gathering at 13:30 at Salisbury Garden, before marching to West Kowloon station. Police fired tear and pepper gas at around 15:15 to disperse demonstrators near the Tsim Sha Tsui police station and Austin MTR station. At 15:15 on Sunday, the MTR Corporation announced that the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, and Austin and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stations are closed, and trains will not stop at East Tsim Sha Tsui or Yau Ma Tei MTR stations. They also said that the Airport Express is only serving the Airport and Hong Kong stations. All MTR, Light Rail, and bus services will cease operations from 22:00 due to repair works following violent protests. Up-to-date information on service information and station closures can be found on the MTR website. Continued rail disruptions are expected in the coming days.

Further demonstrations are expected to take place in the coming days. A sit-in is scheduled to take place at 19:00 on Monday, October 21, at Yuen Long MTR Station (New Territories) to commemorate the mob attack that took place there three months prior. 

A heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the situation fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are to be expected during all 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 of 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.

Individuals are also advised to avoid wearing black and white colors around protest zones or rallies as they are associated with protesters.