Hong Kong: Debate on controversial extradition bill delayed as violent protests continue June 12 /update 10

Government delays debate on controversial extradition bill as violent protests continue in downtown Hong Kong June 12; further clashes and other disruptions likely in coming hours
Read all related news alert(s):
Hong Kong: Rally to support police held in Central June 22 /update 24
Hong Kong: Demonstrators move to police headquarters June 21 /update 23
Hong Kong: Protesters block Harcourt Road June 21 /update 22
Hong Kong: Demonstrators begin to rally again on June 21 /update 21
Hong Kong: Harcourt Road reopens in Admiralty following protests June 17 /update 20
Hong Kong: Smaller protests close roads in Admiralty June 17 /update 19
Hong Kong: Mass demonstration continues June 16 /update 18
Hong Kong: Mass demonstration ongoing June 16 /update 17
Hong Kong: Demonstration still set for June 16 /update 16
Hong Kong: Chief Executive suspends extradition bill June 15 /update 15
Hong Kong: Further demonstrations planned June 16-17 /update 14
Hong Kong: Protesters reassemble in Admiralty June 13 /update 13
Hong Kong: Disruptions expected near Admiralty June 13 after violent protests /update 12
Hong Kong: At least 72 wounded in extradition bill protests June 12 /update 11
Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas, clash with protesters June 12 /update 9
Hong Kong: Thousands of protesters gather in Admiralty June 12 /update 8
Hong Kong: Protests planned in Admiralty over extradition bill June 12 /update 7
Hong Kong: Protest against extradition bill expected on June 12 /update 6
Hong Kong: Further protests possible as extradition bill moves forward /update 5
Hong Kong: Tensions remain high as protests continue on June 10 /update 4
Hong Kong: Mass protests over extradition law cause significant disruptions June 9 /update 3
Hong Kong: Further anti-extradition protests planned June 6, 9 /update 2
Hong Kong: Anti-extradition protests continue May 10 /update 1
Hong Kong: Thousands protest extradition law April 28
Event
The government announced on Wednesday, June 12, it would delay debate on the controversial extradition bill until further notice, originally expected to take place the same date, following mass protests in downtown Hong Kong. Tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Hong Kong, erecting barricades and blocking main arteries in Admiralty, including the Queensway, Harcourt Road and Flyover, and Lung Wo Road. This led to clashes between protesters and security forces, who reportedly fired pepper spray and tear gas at protesters. As of 19:30 (local time), thousands of protesters have moved west to Hong Kong's Central district, notably on Queens Road Central and Connaught and Pedder Street, after being forced away by the police from the Legislative Council building. No official number of injuries have yet been released.
Further protests and clashes are likely in the coming hours and days, along with other disruptions, including road and MTR station closures.
Context
Mass protests attended by up to 1.03 million people were held in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 9. The protests were largely peaceful, though some clashes with security forces were reported in the early morning hours.
Several demonstrations have been held in recent weeks over a proposed law that would allow Hong Kong to extradite fugitives to mainland China, along with Macau and Taiwan. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed when possession of Hong Kong was transferred from the UK to China in 1997 and may be used to silence dissent on Chinese policies.
Advice
Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor the situation, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, avoid all public gatherings, and anticipate transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence.
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