Hong Kong: Violent clashes in Hong Kong following death of student November 8 /update 147

Event

Violent clashes between protesters and police broke out across Hong Kong on Friday, November 8, amid protests commemorating a Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (UST) student who died on Friday morning (local time) from injuries sustained after falling off of the Sheung Tak car park on Sunday, November 3. Police fired tear gas on protesters holding a commemorative event in Tseung Kwon O, where the car park is located.

Police also clashed with protesters in Mong Kok district (Kowloon), who reportedly barricaded off Nathan Road and vandalized a metro entrance. Several explosions were reported in Kowloon on Friday and a Hong Kong police robot was reportedly attempting to detonate an improvised explosive device (IED) in the area as of Friday afternoon.

Protesters erected roadblocks in Causeway Bay, and fires and further violent clashes were reported in Sha Tin (New Territories). Students also vandalized parts of the UST campus following news of the student's death on Friday morning.

Further demonstrations are expected to be held through Wednesday, November 13. An event to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall is scheduled to be held at Edinburgh Place (Central) from 15:00 until 21:30. A 40-hour prayer meeting is also set to take place at Edinburgh Place from 08:00 on Monday, November 11, to 09:00 on Tuesday, November 12, and from 07:00-21:00 on Wednesday, November 13. Another rally is expected to be held outside Kwai Chung Plaza at 19:00 on November 12.

Demonstrations are expected to continue over the near term and may occur with little warning. Rail disruptions are also possible in the coming days and weeks. Up-to-date information on service information and station closures can be found on the MTR website.

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. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

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, 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.