Hong Kong: General strike called for November 11 /update 149

Event

Demonstrators are calling for a general strike throughout Hong Kong on Monday, November 11, to protest alleged police responsibility for the death of a student protester. The student passed away on Friday, November 8, after suffering fatal injuries in a fall from a high-rise building on Monday, November 4, while police were dispersing protesters. Organizers are also calling for flash mobs to block roads and other transportation systems starting at 07:00 (local time) on Monday in coordination with the strike. Significant transportation and business disruptions are possible on Monday throughout Hong Kong.

Additional protests are scheduled in the coming hours and days. On Sunday, November 10, a rally is expected to be held in Tuen Mun starting at 14:00. A 40-hour prayer meeting is also set to take place at Edinburgh Place from 08:00 on Monday 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 political situation in the city 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 disruptions to transportation and business around protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.