Hong Kong: Fresh demonstrations scheduled Dec. 30-Jan. 1 /update 183

Event

Opposition activists in Hong Kong have called for several demonstrations from Monday, December 30, through Wednesday, January 1.

On Monday, participants plan to gather at 16:00 (local time) in Central for a memorial ceremony.

Activists are planning several 'Suck the Eve' and 'Shop with You' protests across the territory on Tuesday, December 31, including in Lan Kwai Fong, Victoria Harbour, and major shopping malls. Further details regarding exact meeting times and locations are unclear as of Monday.

The Civil Human Rights Front has called for a march on Wednesday, January 1. Participants plan to gather from 14:00 at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, and then head to Central.

A heightened security presence along with localized transportation and business disruptions are anticipated near all demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Pro-democracy candidates won 389 of the 452 seats in the territory's district council elections on November 24. The pro-democracy movement victory and the high turnout (71%) of the vote suggest that the public continues to support protests, although tensions have significantly escalated across Hong Kong since November 11, after a police officer shot a protester in Sai Wan Ho.

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 protester 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 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, 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.