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SCMP Reporters

Tens of thousands of masked protesters are clashing with police in Hong Kong and have forced the government to delay a debate on a highly contentious extradition bill. 
The government says the legislation is necessary to plug a loophole exposed by a grisly murder case in Taiwan and to prevent Hong Kong becoming a safe haven for fugitives, but critics fear Hongkongers and foreigners in the city risk being sent to mainland China to face unfair trials.
Today’s protest follows Sunday’s march, the biggest since the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China. Follow our live blog below.


As it happened: Hong Kong police and extradition protesters renew clashes as tear gas flies

Police and protesters renew clashes. Photo: Nora Tam

Why did Hongkongers join million-strong march to protest extradition bill? It’s about protecting freedom, and it’s in their DNA

Strikes, class boycotts and ‘picnics’: how ordinary people across Hong Kong are mobilising to take action against extradition bill

Hong Kong extradition bill: thousands of protesters block city streets and prepare for worst as riot police gather nearby

News

Hong Kong

Politics

Protesters march from Causeway Bay to government headquarters in Admiralty on Sunday to protest against the extradition bill. Photo: Edmond So

Lam Ching-man (left) and Anna Chan Wah (centre), convenors of the new pro-democracy Secondary Students' Union. 21 August 2003

Protestors march from Causeway Bay to the Government Headquarters in Admiralty, in protest against the extradition bill. The Civil Human Rights Front has estimated that 300,000 residents will join their third mass rally against the bill. 09JUN19 SCMP / Sam Tsang

A police officer pepper sprays protestors during a struggle. Protestors marched from Causeway Bay to the Government Headquarters in Admiralty in protest against the extradition bill. The Civil Human Rights Front has estimated that 300,000 residents will join their third mass rally against the bill. 09JUN19 SCMP / Sam Tsang

Residents and legislators surround police at an MTR station to question why they are stopping and searching people on Tuesday night. Photo: Dickson Lee

Students protest against the extradition bill outside Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

Protestors march from Causeway Bay to the Government Headquarters in Admiralty, in protest against the extradition bill. The Civil Human Rights Front has estimated that 300,000 residents will join their third mass rally against the bill. Picture shows a young protester holding up a placard reading "No extradition to Mainland China'. 09JUN19 SCMP / Edmond So

(L-R): Vice-President Ip Kin-yuen; and President Fung Wai-wah, of the Professional Teachers’ Union (PTU), calls on members to join the protest against the extradition bill on Wednesday, Legislative Council Complex, Tamar. 11JUN19 SCMP / Winson Wong

Rally on going while police set up parameter outside the Legco building in Tamar after the Legco office issued amber security alert. 12JUN19 SCMP/ Edmond So

Demonstrators block Lung Wo Road in Admiralty in Hong Kong as part of a protest against the government’s contentious extradition bill. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Demonstrators block Lung Woo Road during a protest to demand authorities scrapping a proposed extradition bill 12JUN19 SCMP/ Sam Tsang

Demonstrators block Lung Woo Road during a protest to demand authorities scrapping a proposed extradition bill 12JUN19 SCMP/ Dickson Lee

Tension builds again on border between Wan Chai and Admiralty after few hours of calm
Hong Kong leader earlier released video reprimanding protesters for organising a 'riot'


Tension builds on border between Wan Chai and Admiralty after few hours of calm


Hong Kong extradition bill

Carrie Lam

Legislative Council of Hong Kong

Live

Demonstrators are barricading lanes around Legco, especially on Harcourt Road. Anti-riot police have cordoned off zones, appealing to protesters to leave. The MTR temporarily skipped Admiralty station upon police's request, but the service has since resumed.



Fresh protests kick in as trains temporarily skip Admiralty station 

Opposition lawmaker Eddie Chu Hoi-dick appears and cheers the crowds. Speaking to the press, Chu slams city leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor for not listening to the people's voices. He urged Lam to withdraw the bill immediately. "You can see that lawmakers have trouble going to work. I will urge Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen to abort the meeting at 11am," Chu says. "Lam should not use tear gas or rubber bullets to clear protesters here. What she should do is to withdraw the bill immediately."



'Lawmakers have trouble going to work'

The government has just released this announcement: "As the access roads leading to the Central Government Offices (CGO), Tamar are now blocked and police has implemented temporary traffic arrangements, staff working in the CGO are advised not to drive to CGO. Staff can make use of the staff entrance on the 2/F of CGO, East Wing to enter and exist CGO. Staff members are advised to be mindful of their safety too."


Government announces blocked roads

A young male protester has passed out on Harcourt Road. The crowds immediately give way and fetched a paramedic to help him. 



Protester faints

Scenes from the ground

Private cars block Queensway

Police earlier made a brief statement and posted a Facebook video urging protesters to leave, warning that "appropriate force" would be used if necessary.  
They indicate that Lung Wo Road has been blocked by people. 
"I reiterate that it is not a clearing operation. Our goal is to rescue those who are trapped," a spokesman said. 


'Appropriate force if necessary': Police

Police earlier unfurled an orange flag with the words "Disperse or we fire" on Tim Mei Avenue, which briefly heightened tension with protesters. Some protesters had pushed barriers. 



'Disperse or we fire'

On Lung Wo Road, one protester shouts: "Does anyone have asthma medication?" Others repeat the question down the line until someone comes forward and the crowd breaks into applause. 


Unity amid chaos

Some officers are seen resting in an area between government headquarters and Legco. 



Police take a breather

Despite the protests, MTR operations are still running as usual. Large crowds are starting to gather at Admiralty station, however. At Admiralty Centre, protesters are appealing to bystanders to join in. "If you’re not working, join us! There’s no point just observing from the footbridge!" 


MTR running as usual; protesters call for numbers

The east exit of Lung Wo Tunnel is packed with crowds who have spilled onto the road. Over at Queensway, buses are seen stuck in jams. 

 


Congestion on roads

Here is what we know of blockages on the ground: 
By protesters
Lung Wo Road between Tim Mei Avenue and Lung Hop Street
Harcourt Road between PLA Garrison Headquarters and Hong Kong Red Cross Headquarters
Legislative Council Road
Tim Mei Avenue
By police
Tim Wah Road 
Legco demonstration area 
'Civic Square' 
Other crowded zones:
Citic footbridge 
Admiralty Centre footbridge 
Tamar Park
Police vans have been seen heading to Fenwick Pier Street, but the situation there is not clear at the moment. 



Ground situation summary

Hundreds of protesters file through an underpass in Admiralty
 
#LIVE: Footage from the ground shows hundreds of protesters filing through an underpass in Admiralty https://t.co/fpKl8rH1bn #extraditionbill pic.twitter.com/pauiU5NkOt
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) June 12, 2019


Live footage

At Lung Wo Tunnel's east exit, protesters are plucking loose bricks from pavements. 



Protesters gather bricks

Three New World First Bus and Citybus routes - H1, X15 and 629 - are suspended.


Bus services suspended

Police released a video earlier appealing to protesters to leave, warning they will use appropriate force if necessary. They also assure protesters that they are rescuing those trapped in condoned off areas, not confronting crowds. 
 
今早大約八時左右有大批參與集會人士衝出龍和道，阻塞交通，霸佔道路，甚至在龍和道的隧道包圍一些警車和私家車，並對這些車輛進行襲擊和毁壞，令到被包圍人士有生命危險。 這些行為已經超出和平集會的範圍，我們呼籲包圍車輛的人士盡快離開，否則我們會用適當的武力去拯救被包圍的車輛及人士。 pic.twitter.com/SVv5lajxzd
— Hong Kong Police Force (@hkpoliceforce) June 12, 2019


Police video

#LIVE: More footage from the ground shows huge crowds gathering on Harcourt Road near the government headquarters https://t.co/fpKl8rH1bn #extraditionbill pic.twitter.com/3TylbioONn
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) June 12, 2019


Crowds gather on Harcourt Road

The government announces in a press release that all entrances to its headquarters in Admiralty are closed due to serious road congestion and police operations. It calls on civil servants to stop heading to the building and those who are already there to remain in their offices until further notice.
Police have also directed westbound traffic to other routes. Passengers say they were stuck on buses for half an hour, doubling their commute time. 


Government headquarters in a lockdown

Protesters are being asked to storm Legco's east entrance, and others are seen nearby gathering bricks from the ground in a scene reminiscent of the Mong Kok riot. 



'Storm Legco'

Action heats up on Harcourt and Queensway Roads

According to police, bricks are being transported to the area while some protesters have been spotted plucking bricks from pavements. 



Police fear protesters arming themselves with bricks and weapons

Latest from SCMP's video team

The Jockey Club has decided to close three of its city branches "in view of the situation in Central this morning".
"We will closely monitor the situation and decide whether the closure of other off-course betting branches is required," the club said in a statement.
The branches that have been closed are: Star Ferry Concourse, 64 Connaught Road, Central, and 3 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan.


Hong Kong Jockey Club suspends betting

The second debate on the extradition bill has been delayed until further notice. 


Legco meeting delayed

Police standing by in Legco

Artist Perry Dino is painting the crowds in Harcourt Road. “People feel frustrated after the Occupy movement. But not any more, since 1.03 million took to the streets to protest against the bill. I cannot leave the youngsters to act alone,” Dino says.



Painting a scene

An aerial view of the situation

Protestors have blocked traffic and occupied Lung Wo Road, Harcourt Road, Legislative Council Road, and Tim Mei Avenue (circled in red); while police have blocked Tim Wa Avenue, the Legco designated demonstration area, and 'Civic Square' (circled in blue).



Affected areas mapped out

More New World First Bus and Citybus routes have been suspended. They are: 15C, 18, 18P, 18X, 23, H1, H1A, H2, W1, X15, X15R, 5B, 5X, 12, 12A, 12M, 260 and 789. And the companies’ 58 bus routes have been diverted temporarily.


More bus services suspended

Standard Chartered Bank and China Citic Bank have said they will temporarily suspend operations at their branches in the Admiralty area due to severe traffic disruptions and road closures associated with the protests.
"Banking services in Admiralty district, including branch services, cheque deposit services, ATMs and cash and deposit machines, are temporarily suspended until further notice," Standard Chartered states. 
Meanwhile, the Bank of East Asia has frozen operations at its branches in Admiralty and the Harbour View Centre until further notice.


Temporary closure of banks

The situation has remained peaceful so far
 
Police claimed they have intel of bricks being transported to Legco vicinity and urged protesters to leave. Protesters are joined by DP chairman Wu Chi-wai #extraditionbill #LegCo pic.twitter.com/OyFkhlxSkp
— Lok. (@sumlokkei) June 12, 2019


Police and protesters face off

The eastbound lane of Queensway, another major thoroughfare that connects Central to the east side of Hong Kong Island, was brought to a standstill with protesters putting up barriers outside Lippo Centre.
The westbound lane is also obstructed after an accident outside Pacific Place.


Road closed

Elpis Yip, in her 40s and originally from Malaysia, is standing between protesters and anti-riot police outside the east entrance of Legco, trying to pacify both sides by singing hymns.
Yip, a barista who works at Pavilion Cafe, joined the rally around Legco at 6.30am. "When I first joined the front line this morning, I was a bit frightened. But I quickly resumed inner peace as I know I am here to help both sides calm down," she says.
Having lived in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, she says she had her political awakening during the 2014 Occupy movement. "Back in those days many people said the church was absent in events. It made me reflect on this issue."



Singing hymns

Protesters sit down on Tim Mei Avenue 

Protesters along Harcourt Road call for peers to donate materials, including helmets, plastic wraps, long umbrellas and masks.



Call for equipment

Scenes from the ground as Legco meeting remains delayed

Protesters near Tim Mei Avenue are building a wall with bricks. 



Brick-walled 

Video from SCMP team at the scene

Before noon, police were maintaining their lines outside government headquarters. One police sergeant, who asked not to be named, said they had no instructions to use tear gas yet.
“Just like equipping us with guns, it’s just to be used as a very last resort to protect ourselves, just look at how many people there are,” he said. “As long as they don’t attack us, I don’t think we need to escalate to use of force.”
The officer said that within the force some were more sympathetic to students, while others felt annoyed at having to work long hours. “But neither students nor police can solve this, that’s beyond us,” he said.



Police standing their ground

More than 100 protesters have moved more metal barricades to the eastbound lane of Queensway outside the High Court. A crowd is gradually building up, occupying the lane.


Road block

While today's meeting at the Legislative Council has been delayed by the protests, some pro-establishment lawmakers are believed to have made it into the building. Pan-democrats said they were not sure how many were inside, but said eight cars had been spotted in the building's car park, which did not belong to pan-dems. Earlier, sources also said Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen was not inside the complex.


Lawmakers in Legco

Democratic Party member Wu Chi-wai (centre in white) again calls for Carrie Lam to shelve the bill at a press conference. "I hope within the day, she can retract the bill," Wu says. 
He also warns that the protest could escalate if the government fails to respond. 
"More and more Hongkongers are willing to pay any price to safeguard the core values of the city."



'More Hongkongers are willing to pay any price'

Crowds have spilled into nearby Civic Tower. Long queues are forming at restaurants in the building, as demonstrators and staff in the tower jostle for meal space. 



Lunchtime crowds

Hongkongers promised they would be back in 2014.
 
Hongkongers promised they would be back when the police cleared the scene of #OccupyHK. They did, in 2019. #extraditionbill #Occupy2 @SCMPNews pic.twitter.com/OCA1pRZIMr
— Jeffie Lam (@jeffielam) June 12, 2019


Back occupying Hong Kong

Umbrellas are raised as a lunchtime shower hits protesters. 



Skies open on protesters

HSBC has temporarily closed two branches, the Pacific Place Premier Centre, and the Pacific Place Day and Night Plus, in Queensway. They will be closed until further notice, the bank says.


HSBC closure

Defiance in the rain

In an encrypted channel that protesters have been using to discuss strategies, an announcement was sent out at about noon that they should escalate their actions if the government did not withdraw the extradition bill by 3pm. The message did not rule out storming Legco. 
The message also said they would consider besieging the residences of senior officials; blocking traffic from Central to Wan Chai indefinitely; going on strike indefinitely; paralysing the MTR system; and refusing to pay any government fees or fines. 
"We can’t let [officials] drag on responding to our demands like they did five years ago," the announcement stated, referring to the Occupy movement. "Set a deadline and also, targets."


Call for escalation in encrypted channel

A woman who told others she joined protests last night faints and is helped away by ambulance crew who receive a standing ovation from the protesters.
Protests against #extradtiionbill maintained largely orderly. Ambulancemen received rounds of applause. pic.twitter.com/w9LnWT7p1H
— Alvin L (@alvinllum) June 12, 2019


Applause for ambulance crew

The Hang Seng will begin afternoon trading with all sectors down, as fresh protests against a proposed extradition bill weigh on sentiment. The index fell 1.6 per cent in the morning session.


Trading takes a hit

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung urges protesters to disperse from Admiralty as soon as possible to restore traffic. In a pre-recorded video on the government's website, he says authorities have consulted extensively with the public over the objectives of the bill amendments.


No 2 official releases video

A banner is hung from the Admiralty Centre footbridge. On one side, it says: "Majority calls on Carrie Lam to step down", and on the other: "Withdraw the extradition bill, defend 'one country two systems'". This refers to the policy under which Beijing governs Hong Kong, granting it a high degree of autonomy. 



'Majority calls on Carrie Lam to step down'

Beijing mouthpiece the People’s Daily published an article on Wednesday accusing protesters of “colluding with foreign anti-Chinese forces to manufacture social conflicts” as thousands of Hongkongers rallied in the Legislative Council against the extradition bill.
“Some members of the opposition in Hong Kong colluded with foreign anti-Chinese forces to create fear of the proposed bill amendments, to manufacture social conflicts and obstruct the legislature,” the article read. 
The People’s Daily said the controversial bill enjoyed broad support across all sections of Hong Kong society, citing about 3,000 messages of support among 4,500 written replies during a 20-day public consultation from February 14 to March 4. 
The article further quoted “mainstream views” from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and the Federation of Trade Unions, stating that without the bill, Hong Kong would become a “fugitives’ haven”. 


People's Daily accuses protesters of colluding with foreign forces

Democratic Party member James To Kun-sun calls for Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen to cancel the meeting on the bill, or at least adjourn it so the government has more time to discuss the issue.
"Our president is also a political leader in Hong Kong, but many do not treat him as such,” To says.
"He should try to have a political stance to help Hong Kong sail against the dangers."



Challenge sounded to Legco president

Police have no plans to disperse protesters just yet, an inside source tells the Post.
He gives the assurance even as police reinforcements are being drafted from all districts in response to the growing - and, some say, restive - crowds.

From Tuesday evening, police had deployed more than 5,000 officers in 12-hour shifts in an operation that force insiders expect to last more than a week.
Another source says some 320 more officers have been roped in from four out of five regions on Hong Kong Island, following the road blockade by protesters.



'No plans to disperse protesters yet': police

University student Ricky Chow, 22, is operating a supply station for protesters at the junction of Harcourt Road and Tim Mei Avenue along with a few other youngsters. Most of them are masked, along with Chow. After pitched battles with police and a sleepless night, Chow returned to the rally just after midnight on Wednesday and volunteered to operate the supply station in the morning.
"As a student and a citizen, I think I am obliged to help," he says.
Other than providing materials ranging from food, umbrellas and plastic tapes to helmets and masks, Chow is also teaching protesters how to evacuate when police take action. He is also communicating with operators of different supply and information stations around Legco, because of the highly unstable phone network.
Regarding police profiling his peers as "organised, armed and radical", Chow says: "But they are prepared to sacrifice."
Asked about his own sacrifice, Chow says: "I love Hong Kong very much. I believe I have a duty as a citizen. I believe this thought is shared by everyone here. It's just that some are more moderate and others more radical." 
While saying he preferred not to storm Legco, he adds: "If the government refuses to back down, we can continue to paralyse roads and call for more international attention."



'I love Hong Kong very much'

The Post understands that Chief Executive Carrie Lam will not appear in two public functions scheduled today. She was originally slated to attend them. 
The two events are the reception for award recipients of the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva at government headquarters at 4pm, and the celebration of the 19th anniversary of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing at 6pm.


Carrie Lam cancels appearances at public events

Police vans are lining up in a chain along the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Convention and Exhibition Centre, about a five-minute walk from Legco.
The vehicles are carrying anti-riot squad members with heavy protective gear. So far the procession is on standby and not moving any closer to the crowds, echoing a police claim earlier that they have no plans to disperse protesters just yet. 
Some officers, looking exhausted, are also sitting on the ground for a quick break.



Police vans carrying anti-riot squads on standby

The SCMP video team has been out on the streets today. Here is their latest video of what's happening.
 



Defiant protesters stand firm

The speaker of the US House of Representatives has strongly condemned the bill and offered support to the protesters.
In a statement, Nancy Pelosi said the extradition proposal "chillingly showcases Beijing’s brazen willingness to trample over the law to silence dissent and stifle the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong".
The statement went on: "This legislation would legitimise and legalise the kidnapping of businessmen, booksellers and anyone that China disagrees with, and imperils the safety of the 85,000 Americans living in Hong Kong.
"The extradition bill imperils the strong US-Hong Kong relationship that has flourished for two decades. If it passes, the Congress has no choice but to reassess whether Hong Kong is “sufficiently autonomous” under the “one country, two systems” framework."
Under the Hong Kong Policy Act, the US treats the city as a separate economic entity to mainland China, a status which some American politicians have said ought to be reviewed.
