City
Epaper

HK braces for another weekend of protests

By IANS | Updated: September 7, 2019 10:55 IST

Hong Kong was on Saturday bracing for yet another weekend of protests, with the city's international airport set to be a hub for the demonstrations for a third time in two months.

Open in App

As activists planned to besiege the aviation hub, railway operator the MTR Corporation announced trains on the Airport Express rail link would only ply from the Hong Kong station to the airport - bypassing Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations, while skipping AsiaWorld Expo - from Saturday morning onwards, reports the South China Morning Post.

The pre-emptive measures came as protesters made plans to ditch their trademark black T-shirts and gear to better blend in with travellers, and forge boarding passes to get into the airport.

Hong Kong police and the Airport Authority warned against such acts by the anti-government protesters, saying any deliberate obstruction or attempts to use fake boarding passes could have legal consequences.

Anyone found using fake tickets could be charged with forgery and face up to 14 years in prison.

On Sunday, another demonstration will be held in Chater Garden, then marching to the US.

The rally aims to call for the passage of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which would allow US authorities to sanction officials who suppress Hongkongers' human rights.

About 5,000 people were expected to attend, according to the police.

Anti-government anger sparked by the now-shelved extradition bill, which would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent to jurisdictions including mainland China, has fuelled protests in Hong Kong since June.

Demonstrators have five main demands for the city's leader Carrie Lam, including formally withdrawing the bill, establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate police conduct and and restarting the city's stalled political reform process.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Hong KongAirport ExpressAirport Authorityuschina
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalTyphoon Ragasa Live Tracker Map: Deadly Cyclonic Storm Nears Vietnam After Wreaking Havoc in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; Check Real-Time Status

CricketHong Kong Sixes 2025: Dinesh Karthik Appointed Captain of Team India

Navi MumbaiWhich Domestic and International Flights Will Take Off from Navi Mumbai Airport? Full List Inside

Navi MumbaiNavi Mumbai International Airport Launch: ‘NMI’ vs ‘BOM’ — Flight Bookings, Airlines, and Travel Tips Every Passenger Should Know

InternationalIndian-Origin Man Beheaded In US In Front Of Family After Violent Dispute

International Realted Stories

InternationalTwo new cases of polio takes nationwide tally to 29 in Pakistan

InternationalPakistan: Police personnel shot dead in Karachi while resisting a robbery

InternationalNetanyahu expresses deep regret over Doha attack in three-way call hosted by Trump with Al Thani

International"Plan to end war in Gaza achieves our war aims": Netanyahu rules out any role for Hamas or Palestinian Authority

International"If accepted by Hamas, it means immediate end to war itself": Trump on Gaza peace plan