FCO warns of further Hong Kong protests
Visitors to Hong Kong are being warned of further protests which might involve violence.
The UK Foreign Office is warning of demonstrations planned for Chater Gardens, Central, on Hong Kong Island, today (August 16) between 8pm-10pm local time and of protests in Victoria Park to Chater Road on Sunday (August 18) from 3pm.
"In recent weeks, several large-scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and various suburbs in the New Territories," said the FCO.
"Clashes have taken place between police and protesters following otherwise peaceful protest activities. These have involved significant violence."
It also warned there is a chance of further protests taking place in, or on the approach to, Hong Kong airport.
"Passengers should therefore check their flight status and the latest information on the~Hong Kong International Airport website, and pay attention to local media, before travelling to the airport," it said.
"You should be prepared that the situation around protests and public gatherings could change quickly, with the potential for significant violence. If you are in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and move away quickly to a safe place if there are signs of disorder.
"Some protests may not have received authorisation from the police. Unauthorised protests have become more frequent and widespread, affecting many areas across Hong Kong, including some areas popular with tourists on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and on Lantau Island (where Hong Kong International Airport is located).
"Compared to authorised protests, unauthorised protests are met by a more rapid and more severe police response. Recent unauthorised protests have attracted heavy use of tear gas, including in built up and residential areas. You should therefore exercise vigilance in the vicinity of unauthorised protests."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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