Hong Kong: Unidentified assailants throw petrol bombs at Happy Valley Police Station March 30 /update 191

Event

Unidentified, black-clad assailants reportedly threw three petrol bombs into the Happy Valley Police Station compound early (local time) on Monday, March 30. Police sources claimed that the three petrol bombs were thrown into the police station's car park and burned out before firefighters arrived at the scene. The assailants reportedly threw a fourth suspected petrol bomb onto Kwai Fong Street near the intersection with Sing Woo Road, burning a car. No arrests and no casualties were immediately reported.

Similar firebombing attacks on police facilities and living quarters are possible in Hong Kong over the near term.

Context

The March 30 attack on Happy Valley Police Station comes amid a string of related attacks on police facilities and living quarters in Hong Kong in recent weeks. Most recently, a similar petrol-bomb attack targeted a police living-quarters compound in Sheung Shui on March 23; three petrol bombs were thrown into the quarters' car park, burning two vehicles. No casualties were reported.

Demonstrations have been held throughout Hong Kong since June 2019 to protest a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed authorities in Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China and other territories. While the bill was withdrawn on September 4, mass protests continue to be organized to demand government reforms and police accountability over violence since the start of the demonstrations. 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 percent) of the vote suggest that the public continues to support protests.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, report suspicious objects and behavior to police, 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 commonly associated with protesters.