Hong Kong: Demonstrators gather in multiple areas November 29 /update 169

Event

Lunchtime demonstrations are ongoing in multiple areas of Hong Kong as of 14:00 (local time) on Friday, November 29. According to social media posts, crowds blocked Cheung Sha Wan Road in Lai Chi Kok amid a heightened police presence. Protesters also gathered in Central, Tai Koo, and Kowloon Bay. Police officers have reportedly ordered the crowds in Central and Cheung Sha Wan to disperse but it is unclear if the demonstrators will leave the area. Localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the demonstration sites.

MTR service on the East Rail Line is experiencing some disruptions on Friday due to damage at stations in Hung Hom. Up-to-date information on train service and station closures can be found on the MTR website.

Additional protests are expected over the coming weeks. Multiple marches are being organized for Sunday, December 1. At 10:00, protesters are expected to walk from Edinburgh Place to the Hong Kong Government headquarters. Then another march from Chater Garden to the US Consulate will start at 12:30. A third rally will begin at 15:00 at the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is also organizing a demonstration to observe Human Rights Day at Victoria Park on Sunday, December 8, from 14:00-18:00.

Further protests may be organized with little warning in the near term and 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.

Context

Tensions significantly escalated across the territory on November 11, after a police officer shot a protester in Sai Wan Ho. Later in the day, a man confronting protesters was reportedly set on fire.

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, to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport 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.