Hong Kong: Further protests reported in Central, Kowloon Bay November 26 /update 167

Event

Dozens of protesters gathered in IFC Mall in Central at 12:45 (local time) on Tuesday, November 26, in solidarity with those still barricaded inside the Polytechnic University (PolyU). In Kowloon, riot police dispersed a group of more than 200 protesters who were blocking traffic at the intersection of Sheung Yuet and Wang Chiu roads at approximately 13:45 on Tuesday.

PolyU deployed search teams on Tuesday morning to search for remaining protesters on the university's campus, which has been locked down by the police since November 17. One woman was found, and the university may conduct another search in the coming days.

Officials announced that the Cross-Harbor Tunnel, which connects Hung Hom (Kowloon) and Hong Kong Island, will reopen at 05:00 on Wednesday, November 27. The tunnel has been closed since November 13 after being damaged in protests with a free ferry service operating in its place. Up-to-date information on train service and station closures can be found on the MTR website.

On Wednesday, November 20, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) announced plans to hold a rally at Victoria Park on Sunday, December 8. They have asked supporters to gather from 14:00-18:00. The CHRF has organized the demonstration to mark Human Rights Day, which is observed on December 10 every year. As of Tuesday, it is unclear if the police will grant the CHRF permission to hold the rally.

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.