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Hong kong protest alerT UPDATE

Updated 26 June 2019


Situation:

  • Wednesday protesters hoped to bring international attention to their cause at the G20 summit being held in Osaka, Japan the end of this week by holding demonstrations outside of foreign consulates attending the summit. Wednesday evening thousands of protesters peacefully demonstrated outside City Hall.

  • Numbers were far lower than previous protests, but with tomorrow’s deadline (see below) approaching and no word yet on demands being met it is highly likely that larger protests will occur this weekend.

  • Deadline set for government to address protesters’ demands is tomorrow, Thursday, June 27 at 5 pm

  • Demands by student unions as follows:

  1. The complete withdrawal of the suspended extradition bill.

  2. An investigation of the police force for police brutality in relation to the clashes last Wednesday.

  3. A retraction of the characterization of the protest last Wednesday as a “riot.”

  4. Release and drop charges against protesters arrested.

  5. Also calls for Carrie Lam’s resignation


Possible Effects:

  • Disrupted modes of transportation

  • Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites

  • Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice

  • Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark

Mitigating Factors to Apply:

  • Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent

  • Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

  • If you are caught in a blockade:

  1. Remain calm

  2. Do not exit your vehicle

  3. Call the authorities: Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 999, U.S. Consulate General at +(825) 2523-9011

  4. Allow extra time for travel

  5. Monitor local and social media for updates

  6. Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy



 

Updated 20 June 2019


Situation:

  • Friday protests saw thousands gather around the main government complex throughout the day with some staying around over night.

  • Protesters also gathered around the police headquarters building in Wan Chai with some moving east to Revenue Tower. (map below) No reports of violence.

  • Protesters were asked to move so emergency services wouldn’t be affected.

  • New deadline set for government to address protesters’ demands is next Thursday, June 27 by 5 pm

  • Demands by student unions as follows:

  1. The complete withdrawal of the suspended extradition bill.

  2. An investigation of the police force for police brutality in relation to the clashes last Wednesday.

  3. A retraction of the characterization of the protest last Wednesday as a “riot.”

  4. Release and drop charges against protesters arrested.

  5. Also calls for Carrie Lam’s resignation





Possible Effects:

  • Disrupted modes of transportation

  • Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites

  • Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice

  • Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark


Mitigating Factors to Apply:

  • Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent

  • Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

  • If you are caught in a blockade:

  1. Remain calm

  2. Do not exit your vehicle

  3. Call the authorities: Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 999, U.S. Consulate General at +(825) 2523-9011

  • Allow extra time for travel

  • Monitor local and social media for updates

  • Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy





 

10 June 2019


Situation: Massive protests (organizers say more than 1 million people) Sunday against highly contentious proposed changes to extradition laws broke out in Hong Kong. Rallies of solidarity were reported in 29 cities around the world. Clashes broke out Sunday night and into the early morning hours between protesters and police.

The proposed changes would allow transfer of fugitives to more jurisdictions, most notably mainland China. Hong Kong government plans on moving ahead with a second reading of the law in Legislative Council on 12 June.


Activist groups are calling for strikes, a boycott of classes & protests on Wednesday, June 12 during that second reading.


Possible Effects:

  • Disrupted modes of transportation

  • Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites

  • Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice

  • Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark

Mitigating Factors to Apply:

  • Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent

  • If you are caught in a blockade:

  • Remain calm

  • Do not exit your vehicle

  • Call the authorities if necessary: Emergency Services (police, fire, and medical): 999. U.S. Consulate General at +(825) 2523-9011

  • Allow extra time for travel

  • Monitor local and social media for updates

  • Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy





DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless

Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.

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