The Hong Kong protests are a series of demonstrations in Hong Kong against an extradition bill proposed by the government of Hong Kong. If enacted, the bill would allow local authorities to detain and extradite people who are wanted in territories that Hong Kong does not have extradition agreements with, including mainland China and Taiwan. Some fear the bill would place Hong Kongers and visitors under mainland Chinese jurisdiction, undermining the autonomy of the region and citizens' rights.
2014 protests[]
Political debates after the transfer of sovereignity have centred around the "one country, two systems" principle. The central government decision to implement nominee pre-screening before allowing Chief Executive elections triggered a series of protests in 2014 which became known as the Umbrella Revolution or the Occupy Central, which is similar to the Occupy protests in 2011 at Wall Street (OWS) was a left-wing protest movement that began on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park, located in New York City's Wall Street financial district, against economic inequality.
The areas where it had protests and riots are between Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay areas in 2014.
2019 protests[]
In June 2019, protests again erupted in response to a proposed bill permitting extradition of fugitives to mainland China, but the protests continue.
On 9 June 2019, police ordered stations to close down for several hours - which is Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Tin Hau in the central part of Hong Kong. During the march, police ordered stations to close again.
On 7 July 2019, during the Tsim Sha Tsui march, water barricades were also set up by the police, with checkpoints to conform the passengers' identities, the MTR Corporation suddenly stopped selling tickets during noon time. Protesters complaining about the action, which is unreasonable and unacceptable.
A few youngsters constructed a makeshift Lennon Wall outside Yau Tong exit. MTR also closed Sha Tin and blocked off access on 14 July 2019.
A sit-in, organised in the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport by airline industry workers, airport staff, and the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants' Union on 26 July 2019, aimed to engage with arriving tourists and raise awareness about the on-going democracy movement. Before the sit-in, the Airport Authority removed some seats to provide more space to the protesters, and marked out areas where loitering was not allowed. Additional security and staff were deployed.
Thousands of protesters gathered at the arrival halls of Terminal 1, then they showed previous demonstrations and the Yuen Long violence.
On 30 July, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Kwai Chung Police Station after news spread that the majority of 49 people arrested at the confrontations with the police on Sunday at Sheung Wan would be charged with rioting. Police used pepper spray and batons to disperse the protesters, followed by shotguns. During the demonstration, fireworks were launched out of the moving vehicle to the assembled crowd. 10 were injured in the attack. No one else was injured.
August: Escalating More[]
On 3 August, a flash mob moved barricades to Cross-Harbour Tunnel at Hung Hom, blocking vehicles and disappeared. Riot police began to fire tear gases at the protesters in the central Kowloon.
On 5 August, protesters block an underground commuter train and even disrupting train services. At least seven railway lines were shut fully or partly, similar to the events in July 2005 London bombings. Several protesters were seen blocking entrances to the commuter trains, occasionally leading to fighting with other passengers rushing to their destinations. An estimated 100 flights were even cancelled as well.
People also indicated plans to either strike or phone in sick on the same day - the civil servants, and social workers to flight attendants, pilots, bus drivers and the Disneyland.
Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's language and the culture are being threatened by the closer integration with the mainland.
There was a city-wide general strike on 5 August. The Cross-Harbour Tunnel was affected by street blockades, major roadways were obstructed and train lines stalled, as thousands of workers across 20 different sectors participated, putting pressure on the government to meet protesters demands. At least seven major rallies and organizing assemblies were held throughout areas of Hong Kong.
Workers from various industries as well as several trade unions had announced in advance that they would join the strike. The government of Hong Kong issued a statement, urging citizens to not participate in the strike as it would "undermine further the local economy that is facing downside risks." Over 200 flights were cancelled and only one of the airport runways was operational, as many air traffic controllers had called in sick.
On 11 August, protesters were made at Kwai Chung, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, Quarry Bay, Tai Koo, Sai Wan Ho and Shau Kei Wan. Riot police dispersed the protesters, and fled to Kwai Fong station. Some protesters even went to Mei Foo and set up roadblocks at Kwai Chung Road, while another group went to the police station. Traces of irritant smoke were still found inside Kwai Fong station the following day. At Kwai Fong and Tai Koo, police had fired tear gas and several rounds of rubber bullets from inside the station.
Some protesters were also avoided to proceed to North Point, where it is also the tramway terminus, but ended up went to Wan Chai and molotov cocktail was thrown during clashes with police. Tensions rose when locals dressed in red attacked two journalists and other people.
In Causeway Bay, several people disguised as protesters were seen and caught on video tackling and arresting other protesters with the help of the police force at 10 pm. Around ten men dressed as protesters were seen and caught on video passing from under a staircase at a tramstop guarded by the police. This led to allegations that the police used undercover officers to infiltrate into the demonstration. When journalists approached one of these men, he refused to show his warrant card and told the press to "put down the camera." Many people were injured.
The brief stand-off with the police at Quarry Bay followed by chasing democracy analysts down the escalator at Tai Koo station and fired guns with pepper ball rounds, targeting protesters within a very close range and aiming directly at their heads. Police officers were also filmed by journalists and seen using their batons to beat fleeing protesters. It is using their force and possibly causing a stampede, similar to the events on 31 December 2014 at Shanghai.
On the National Day Parade, a second airport sit-in was held, which continued for three consecutive days. Due to the protests and the civil unrest at the airport, all flights were cancelled since August 12. The protests were said to have disrupted as a result of public assembly at the airport.
After the National Day Parade mobile column, protesters went to Kwai Fong area and blown tear gas and several rounds of rubber bullets, where the riot police had disrupted the protesters. It was very regretful and urged the police force to consider the safety of the staff and the commuters during law enforcement actions.
Protesters use luggage trolleys to defend themselves at the airport. Passengers struggled to get to the airport as it blocked the gating area. The check-ins were suspended since August 12. Some of these events occurred like Givens Goh incident in April 2019.
On 22 August 2019, the latest incident at Kwai Fong station, staff were surrounded and verbally abused by the protesters, graffiti was sprayed inside and outside the station and facilities were vandalised.
On the evening of 23 August, an estimated 210,000 people participated in "The Hong Kong Way" campaign, to draw attention to the movement's five demands. The action was inspired by a similar event that occurred 30 years ago, on 23 August 1989. The Baltic Way Chain of Freedom involved 2 million people, stretching 675 kilometers across the territories of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as a call for independence from Soviet Russia. The Hong Kong Way event was organised from the LIHKG forums, along with real-time Telegram chat groups to assist with the creation of the human-chain.
They organisers called on participants to assemble at 7 pm on sidewalks along the three main MTR lines in Hong Kong – the Tsuen Wan line, Kwun Tong line and Island line — and to hold hands, creating three human chains across Hong Kong Island and the New Territories as a form of peaceful protest. They joined hands to create a human chain 50 kilometers long, stretching across both sides of Hong Kong harbour. At road junctions, the chain constantly reformed obeying traffic lights, so that vehicular traffic could flow normally. One participant at the event described this protest as very different from others in the past: "This time it demonstrates harmony and love rather than venting anger and hate. The spirit is unity." Some trailed Lion Rock.
Before the protest began, MTR suddenly announced that stations between the proposed march area, Choi Hung station and Tiu Keng Leng station, would be closed, and claimed the move was necessary to protect MTR facilities and staff safety. Many criticised this decision as an act to restrict freedom of protest, and that by closing these stations, MTR had caused greater disturbance to the public. MTR also arranged special trains for the officers. Protesters criticized MTR for cooperating with the police and called it the "railway of the Communist Party" on 24 August. Following the protest, Richland Gardens's management suddenly changed the passcodes for all buildings. People wearing black and residents who were not carrying the resident card could not enter their homes. Disgruntled residents then surrounded the management office. Security guards called the police, who arrested two residents and used pepper spray on the crowds.
The march was held in the Kwai Tsing District and the Tsuen Wan District. Similar to the Kwun Tong protest, the police lifted the ban after the organizers changed the route of the protest. On August 25, thousands of protesters marched from Kwai Chung Sports Ground to Tsuen Wan Park. MTR closed three stations temporarily - Kwai Fong, Tsuen Wan and Tsuen Wan West. The protest spread to Tsim Sha Tsui, Cross Harbour Tunnel, Sham Shui Po and Wong Tai Sin. For both marches in Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan, the police had used 215 canisters of tear gas, 74 rubber bullets, 44 sponge grenades and four bean bag rounds.
Following a police ban on the protest, many protesters defied the police ban and joined the Christian march at Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.
Protesters retreated to Causeway Bay and Tin Hau, where undercover police had arrested several of the protesters. One of the undercovers also fired warning shot at Northern Island, which is Victoria Park. The remaining protesters were soon spread to Kwun Tong, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui.
The police assault on passengers inside various MTR stations sparked anger from nearby citizens who then besieged the Mong Kok police station. Residents besieged the Chai Wan Police Married Quarters after the arrest, though they dispersed after the police fired tear gas. Protesters also damaged the gates inside Hang Hau Station.
On 31 August, police beat and pepper-sprayed people aboard an MTR train at Prince Edward station. Protesters severely damaged at Mong Kok, who had disrupted train services and threaten the personal safety of the staff. Trains were arranged not to stop at the station. Taking into consideration the damages, train services were suspended for these two lines, as well as the Downtown Line from Bugis to Chinatown to have precautions.
A platform screen door at Wan Chai station was smashed. Metal railings and traffic cones were thrown from the platform onto the tracks by these people. Station staff activated the emergency stop button to prevent the trains from entering the platform, Island Line train service was temporarily suspended as a result of the incident. MTR personnel had cleared the tracks at 5.30pm and as it take time to repair the damaged platform screen door, trains passing through had to go at the reduced speeds for safety reasons. Additional staff were deployed to assist passengers on the platform. As such, train services were cut from 5 minutes to 20 minutes and passengers are advised to take the tram as a result or use the Island Eastern Corridor bus services. Endangering railway safety is an offence in railway-wide areas.
Following the clash of the protesters and the police on the 31 August protest, a planned protest near to the Hong Kong International Airport was held. With the disruption of the train services at Airport Express, there was a significant reduction of A-style routes (Cityflyer and Long Win Bus) of the frequency, together with the Airport Express. Even so, some trains were rerouted for Tung Chung Line, but certain stops such as Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo were skipped. Protesters stranded in Tung Chung retreated by walking a 15km route along the North Lantau Highway, passing Sunny Bay towards Tsing Ma Bridge. Some of them returned to Hong Kong Island by taking ferries, through riot police were deployed in Central pier and conducted searches on young people who disembarked from the ship. With the closure, the Tung Chung station was damaged on 1 September, which was respecting the Beijing with the police, and some sprayed graffiti inside Tung Chung station accusing the MTR with the Communist Party of China, while others vandalised station facilities. Riot police entered and stormed a train cabin in the manner. The station was closed by MTR and nobody travels, but not opened yet.
Another damage is on 1 September. Various stations like Lam Tin, Kwun Tong, Diamond Hill, Lok Fu, Tsuen Wan, Lai King, Sha Tin, Sha Tin Wai, Siu Hong and Tin Shui Wai were destroyed by removing CCTVs, general ticketing machines and add value machines, and took away fire extinguishers and defaced stations. Two stations that are closed, also damaging the station control rooms.
At most, there is emergency exercise for Timothy North which beats up and throw smoke grenades and gunfire using powdery substance at Shoes North Industrial Estate, under Exercise TN20, on 1 September 2019.
On 22 September, various stations such as Sha Tin were destroyed. Kwai Fong, Prince Edward and Mong Kok stations are closed due to incidents; Tsuen Wan Line and Kwun Tong Line trains will not stop at these stations.
The MTR Corporation strongly condemns the vandalism at Light Rail (LR) stops by protesters during the public activities in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long today (21 September 2019). As a prudent measure, LR and MTR Bus services in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long had to be suspended during the events.
The Corporation conducted a detailed risk assessment before the public activities took place. After discussions with relevant government departments and taking into consideration the safety of passengers and MTR staff, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long stations on the West Rail Line were closed at 1pm and 3pm today respectively as a prudent measure. Trains also did not stop at these two stations.
However, protesters maliciously vandalised the facilities at LR Town Centre, Yau Oi, On Ting and Siu Lun stops including ticket issuing machines, Octopus fare processors, CCTV cameras and Passenger Information Display Panels as well as defaced station facilities with graffiti. In addition, people also trespassed into the track area of Town Centre Stop, threw items onto the tracks and damaged trackside signalling equipment. These irresponsible actions would endanger the people using the LR service.
Services of LR routes 507, 614P and 615P were suspended while Routes 505, 614 and 751 were diverted to skip a number of LR stops at around 4pm today due to road conditions during the public activities. Taking into account the damages and interference in operations as well as the fact that the public activities took place near LR and MTR Bus routes, following discussions with relevant government departments, LR and MTR Bus services in Tuen Mun had to be suspended at around 6pm. At around 9:30pm, LR and MTR Bus services in Yuen Long also had to be suspended to protect the safety of passengers and staff
Precautions[]
In the light of recent incidents where stations were vandalised or damaged, staff were harassed and the safety of staff and passengers were threatened, MTR Corporation, SBS Transit and SMRT Trains to restrain persons from unlawfully and wilfully obstructing or interfering with the proper use of the stations and trains of the railway network (heavy rail and Light Rail) and the High Speed Rail West Kowloon Station, or KTM stations, from damaging any property or trains, or using any vulgarities or wilfully interfering with the comfort and the convenience of the staff at any stations.
Having reviewed the situations in the past few weeks, there have been confrontations at MTR/MRT stations and on trains, and even violent acts and vandalism of station facilities after public activities or meetings. MTR/MRT staff have been facing unprecedented challenges and difficulties and have been criticised or even bullied. Having considered the safety of our staff, passengers and railway facilities, the Corporation has to take all feasible measures in addressing the situation. Apart from the application for the injunction order, the Authority will, before the start of public activities, conduct a risk assessment for each public activity and will prudently consider closing stations near the areas where public activities are taking place and arranging trains not to stop at individual stations. Such decisions would only be made as a last resort. In the event that such situations occur and cause inconvenience to passengers, the Corporation sincerely apologises to passengers and appeals for the understanding of the public.
In the event of fights, vandalism, or such acts of violence or terrorism occur, train services may be stopped immediately, and the station may have to be closed.
A large number of people are jumping over entry/exit faregates without payment. Under the Rapid Transit Systems By-laws, passengers are required to hold valid tickets when travelling by train. Failure to do so constitutes a fine of up to $50. Some of the people have interfered with or vandalised the gates and encouraged others to travel by train without payment as free MRT rides. Staff have encountered difficulties when performing duties even with additional manpower.
22 September 2019[]
The MTR Corporation strongly condemns vandalism of railway facilities and the intentional misuse of equipment on train by protestors today (September 22, 2019). Such illegal actions endangered the safety of other passengers, MTR staff and train operation. The Corporation is also deeply concerned about a suspected arson case at Siu Ho Wan Depot. The Corporation takes these incidents very seriously and has reported them to the Police. We reserve the right to take legal action against the concerned parties.
In addition, fire was set on an entry/exit gate in Tseung Kwan O Station at around 1am. The Corporation also reported the case to the Police.
At about 2.35am today, while performing duty along the tracks outside Siu Ho Wan Depot, MTR maintenance staff heard a loud sound and saw a fire at the trackside. They immediately notified the Police and Fire Services Department via the Operations Control Centre and used portable fire extinguisher to put out the fire. No one was injured in the incident. The Fire Services Department personnel arrived at the scene, confirmed the area of the fireground was about two meters by one meter, and considered the cause of the fire suspicious. MTR maintenance staff subsequently checked the railway facilities on site and found that a power supply cable laid on the ground was damaged. As the incident occurred during non-traffic hours, it did not affect the services of the Tung Chung Line and the Airport Express. The Police has classified the incident as an arson case.
At around 5pm today, a group of persons illegally trespassed the rear driving cabin of a Tung Chung-bound train at Nam Cheong Station on Tung Chung Line when the train was performing platform duty. They unlawfully opened the emergency exit ramp, resulting in a disruption to the train service. Subsequently, MTR staff had to restore the ramp, conduct a thorough search to ensure that the track area is clear and check railway facilities to confirm they work normally. As a result, train service of Tung Chung Line was delayed and service gradually resumed at 5:42pm.
The relevant emergency exits and ramps are safety equipment on the train. In the event of serious incident when passengers need to be evacuated to the track area, the emergency exit ramp will be laid down. Therefore, the equipment is designed to make it easy for passengers to use in an emergency so as to facilitate the rescue. When the equipment is activated, the train captain in the front driving cabin will also be alerted. Any intentional interference of operation of such equipment, according to the extent of impact caused, may result in committing criminal offence.
In the afternoon, radical protestors maliciously vandalised ticket machines, add-value machines, entry/exit gates, CCTV cameras, and smeared station facilities at various MTR stations. To protect the safety of passengers and staff, as at 11pm, Sha Tin, Tsing Yi, Kowloon, Kwai Fong, Prince Edward and Mong Kok stations were temporarily closed.
The malicious acts of the protestors not only severely impacted on passenger journeys but also endanger the safety of passengers and MTR staff. MTR staff have been striving to provide safe and smooth railway service to members of the public. However, if violence, vandalism, other malicious acts or large-scale contraventions of the MTR By-laws occur which may generate risks or result in emergency situations that seriously endanger the safety of passengers and staff, train service to and from the concerned stations may be stopped immediately. Station may also be closed with little or no prior notice. In the event that such situations occur and cause inconvenience to passengers, the Corporation appeals for passengers’ understanding. We also request members of the public to be considerate, to comply with the MTR By-laws so as to assure the safe operation of the railway.
MTR maintenance staff will later inspect the vandalised facilities, assess the extent of damages and carry out repair works. We strive to maintain our service to members of public. However, it is possible that certain stations and their facilities may not be able to resume service next day. Passengers are advised to pay attention to the MTR website, MTR Mobile, stations and in-train announcements for the latest train service information. The Corporation will also disseminate relevant information in a timely manner through the media.
Vandalism on the network[]
MTR train had been passing through at the low speed and hit a buffer. It did not derail, and many people were injured. The train did not come off from the tracks.
Radical protesters vandalised and set fire into the MTR stations yesterday (4 October 2019). There were also MTR staff attacked and injured. To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, MTR Corporation had announced at 10.30pm that the services will be suspended. The Corporation does not want to have illegal and irresponsible acts of the protesters who attacked MTR staff, repeatedly set fire in many areas of the facilities, and vandalised railway facilities. The corporation has made a police report.
Protesters damaged Kwun Tong station at the evening, followed by other stations. Fire was set to a non-passenger train at Sha Tin station. A number of other stations were also closed at 10.30pm because of the heavy damages. With the early closure, it is a precautious measure as we are conducting emergency exercise in Bishan MRT Station (NSL and CCL) which may involve fire and bomb explosions.
Besides, two station staff were also attacked and injured when carrying out duty at Sheung Shui Station. The staff have been sent to the hospital for treatment. We send our deepest sympathies to the injured colleagues. The Corporation’s representatives have visited them and will provide them with any necessary assistance.
A number of the MTR stations were closed because of the heavy damages. As it is not in a position to provide a safe and reliable service to passengers in circumstances, we decided to suspend and banned from operating the MTR and Light Rail.
Total Suspension[]
The MTR Corporation resumed services across 45 of its 94 stations on Sunday for repairs inflicted by rioting protesters. The whole network was closed on Saturday in an unprecedented move by the rail operator. It said it need time to repair the vandalised facilities and would cut short operations on Sunday by more than 3 hours, by 9.00pm.
More stations were closed on 6 October:
- 4:45pm - Lai Chi Kok
- 4:56pm - Kowloon Tong, Tsim Sha Tsui
- 6:07pm - Tsuen Wan Line
- 6:49pm - Tsueng Kwan O Line and Kwun Tong Line
- 7:47pm - Island Line and South Island Line
- 8:04pm - West Rail Line
- 8:31pm - Tung Chung Line and East Rail Line
- 9:00pm - Ma On Shan Line and Disneyland Resort Line
Mong Kok MTR station is starting to flood after protesters set off a fire hose. It is the latest damage to the battered station today, after glass and signs at exits were smashed and an elevator set on fire.
Police fired tear gas and baton charged protesters in several locations, while some protesters threw bricks and petrol bombs at police, as night began to fall on Hong Kong.
A taxi driver was beaten bloody in the district of Sham Shui Po after he drove into a crowd that had surrounded his car.
"Two girls were hit by the car and one girl was trapped between the car and a shop," an eyewitness, who gave his surname Wong, told AFP, adding the crowd managed to push the car off the wounded woman.
Many restaurants and small businesses have had to shut repeatedly, with the protests pushing Hong Kong's economy to the brink of its first recession in a decade.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, Hong Kong's banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well.
Hong Kong may have lost as much as US$4 billion in deposits to rival financial hub Singapore from June through August, Goldman Sachs estimated this week.
"Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.
After previous late-night suspensions, train service has resumed mostly normally the next day. This is the first time the MTR has been entirely shut down in the daytime since the city’s protests started in June, in opposition to a proposed bill that would have allowed people from Hong Kong to be sent to the mainland to face trial. A citywide suspension didn’t happen even on Oct. 1, China’s National Day, when widespread protests and clashes were expected.
It’s not just the MTR. Many major banks have said they won’t be offering services today—some branches posted signs on their windows last night saying those locations wouldn’t be offering service until further notice. The city’s major ParknShop grocery chain also won’t be open today. Malls and restaurants shut early last night amid a sense of unease across the city, and some supermarkets saw their shelves cleared.
Radical protestors once again maliciously vandalised and set fires at various MTR stations yesterday (7October 2019), endangering the safety of passengers, MTR staff and the railway assets. Having regard to the safety of passengers and staff, the MTR Corporation announced at around 7:30pm that while limited services on the Airport Express and some MTR bus routes were maintained, other services of Heavy Rail, Light Rail and MTR bus were suspended. The MTR Corporation strongly condemns the reoccurrence of these illegal and irresponsible behaviours, which should not be tolerated. The Corporation had reported the cases to the police.
After the suspension of service of the whole network on 5 October 2019, the Corporation has conducted a review on the complex repair works required as well as a joint risk assessment with the Police and other relevant government departments. The Corporation re-opened 45 Heavy Railstations providing limited passenger service yesterday morning (6 October 2019). However, at around 4:00pm, multiple stations including Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Tong stations were maliciously attacked by radical protesters. Station facilities such as entry/exit gates, CCTV cameras and fire equipment etc. were vandalised while arsons occured at the entrances of various stations. Fire sprinklers at various stations had been damaged, causing flooding at these stations. Besides, protesters threw objects at a section near Kowloon Tong Station on the East Rail Line which severely endangered train operations. The Corporation closed the Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Tong stations at around 4:30pm and 4:50pm respectively. Train service between Kowloon Tong and Hung Hom stations on East Rail Line was suspended. In order to ensure the safety of passengers, MTR staff and railway operations, the Corporation subsequently suspended train service on several rail lines including Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Island and South Island lines. Later at about 7:30pm, a number of other stations were closed in the network because of heavy damage. As we were no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the prevailing circumstances, the Corporation had no choice but to make the decision to only maintain limited services on the Airport Express between Hong Kong and Airport stations without stopping at intermediate stations, and some of the bus routes. Other services of Heavy Rail, Light Rail and MTR bus had to be suspended.
The Corporation stresses that MTR staff have been striving to provide safe and smooth railway service to members of the public under feasible and safe conditions. However, multiple stations were once again maliciously and severely damaged, endangering the safety of passengers and staff. The Corporation therefore had no choice but to gradually close the stations and adjust train service. The Corporation expresses its anger over protesters setting fires at multiple locations on railway premises and damaging railway facilities which seriously undermined railway safety. The Corporation strongly condemns these dangerous behaviours which can constitute serious crimes and has reported the incidents to the Police. We reserve the right to take legal action against the concerned parties of the losses.
Since outbreaks of violence continue to occur at multiple districts, maintenance staff are unable to travel to the damaged stations to inspect and assess the extent of damage or to carry out repair works. We will conduct a joint assessment with the Police and other relevant government departments to decide on the service arrangement for today (7 October 2019). Any update on the service arrangement will be announced as soon as possible. In case of reoccurrence of vandalism, MTR service may be affected for a longer period of time. Since many members of the public depend on railway service for going to work, to school and for conducting daily affairs such as going to see the doctor, visiting family members etc., we ask everyone be considerate and help to protect the railway facilities.
Trains are running at eight minute intervals on the Kwun Tong, Island, South Island, Tseung Kwan O, East Rail, West Rail and Tung Chung lines.
On the Kwun Tong line, Whampoa, Ho Man Tin, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Prince Edward, Lok Fu, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon Bay, Ngau Tau Kok, Kwun Tong and Tiu Keng Leng stations are all closed. On the Island Line, Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Tin Hau and Fortress Hill stations are closed. On the South Island Line, Admiralty Station is closed. On the Tseung Kwan O Line, Tiu Keng Leng, Tseung Kwan O, Hang Hau, Po Lam and LOHAS Park stations are closed.
On the Tung Chung Line, Sunny Bay and Tung Chung stations are closed. On the East Rail Line, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, Tai Po Market, Fanling and Sheung Shui stations are closed. On the West Rail Line, East Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan West, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai and Tuen Mun stations are closed. It also warned that it may have to bring in crowd control measures at some stations, including closing some station entrances or exits and other measures.
Hong Kong's railway system will shut again on Thursday, as it will allow time to repair more damaged facilities, the city had to brace them for some more protests. MTR Corporation, whose network carries about five million passengers per day, said that Ma On Shan Line will not operate and all lines will be closed by 9pm.
The closures also come ahead of more protests on Thursday and others planned for the rest of the week.
The unrest started more than four months ago in what began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition Bill but has since widened into a pro-democracy movement amid fears that China is encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms.
Those freedoms were guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, a formula that allows wide-ranging autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.
The unrest has pushed the special administrative region into its worst political crisis since 1997 and poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.
Extensive vandalism and an arson attack last Friday (4 October 2019) forced the closure of Kwun Tong Station over the past few days. Thanks to the unremitting efforts of our maintenance team, and after a comprehensive safety assessment with relevant authorities, the MTR Corporation confirms that Kwun Tong Station will be re-opened to provide service tomorrow (10 October). As some of the station facilities will remain closed for repair works, crowd control measures will be implemented at the station. The Corporation appeals for passengers’ understanding and cooperation to follow the instructions of station staff.
Kwun Tong Station was among the stations which were heavily damaged by radical protesters last week. The Customer Service Centre (CuC) located near Entrance/Exit D was severely burnt by a group of persons who damaged the gate at Entrance/Exit A and broke into the station at around 10:10pm last Friday, after the station had been closed and the police squad which assisted in closing the station had already left by the time. The Corporation has reported the case to the Police and it has been classified as an arson.
There were unfounded speculations that the Corporation intentionally allowed people to damage station facilities. We strongly refute these false allegations. Illegal acts of vandalism and arson have severely damaged our assets, undermined the safety of passengers and our staff, disrupted our services and impacted on our maintenance cost and fare revenues. The Corporation condemns these unlawful behaviours. Indeed, the Corporation has reported all these criminal acts to the Police and we call on anyone who has evidence on the identity of the those responsible to report to the law enforcement authorities to assist in the investigation. The Corporation will take all necessary legal actions against the culprits.
On 12 October 2019, 3 stations - Kowloon Tong, Sha Tin and Lai Chi Kok were vandalised. A petrol bomb was hurled into an operating MTR station and fires were set at station entrance/exits which severely endangered the safety of the public and MTR staff. Equipment was vandalised and cannot be used for service. The MTR Corporation strongly condemns the recurrence of such malicious and irresponsible acts and has reported the cases to the police.
At around 2:25pm today, a fire was seen at Entrance/Exit G1 of Kowloon Tong Station of the East Rail Line. Station staff immediately reported the incident to the Police and Fire Services Department, and in the meantime put out the fire with a portable fire extinguisher. Subsequently two entry/exit gates were burnt. Entrances G1 and G2 were immediately closed. Police and Fire Services personnel conducted an investigation and collected evidence on site and found that the cause of fire was suspicious. It was believed that the incident was caused by petrol bomb attack. The Corporation is very concerned about the case as it might cause severe casualty in an operating station. The case was classified as arson by the Police.
At around 5pm, suspected arson case occurred at the Entrance/Exit B1 of Lai Chi Kok Station, which had been closed earlier. The Customer Service Centre, fire service equipment and various entry/exit gates of Sha Tin Station were vandalised at around 9:30pm as well.
8 October 2019[]
Acts of malicious vandalism and arson by protestors targeting MTR stations escalated over the past long weekend including fires being set repeatedly. The MTR Corporation has conducted a review on the progress of the repair works and also a joint risk assessment with relevant government departments. Having regard to the safety of passengers and staff, the Corporation had no choice but to close 13 Heavy Rail stations from the start of traffic today (8 October). With the hard work of maintenance staff, repair works at individual stations have made progress and Po Lam and Tai Po Market stations were re-opened later today.
Over the last few months, as the number and intensity of attacks against railway stations and facilities has been increasing, MTR staff have been working with unremitting efforts to carry out repair works with the aim of providing safe and reliable railway service to the public. The tremendous efforts made by the staff are obvious for all to see.
However, a large number of stations were maliciously vandalised again over the past weekend and serious damages were done to extensive parts of the whole network. As a result, the MTR network was unable to provide services in the evening of 4 October and the whole day of 5 October. The Airport Express was only able to resume limited services in the afternoon of 5 October.
As of 7 October, some 1,200 entry/exit gates, about 800 ticket-issuing machines and add-value machines, about 900 CCTV cameras, about 40 elevators and about 70 roller shutters were maliciously damaged. The number of damaged facilities have increased significantly from the numbers we reported on 4 October. Due to the extensive damages done, despite the hard work of the maintenance staff, some of the stations and station facilities were unable to be put back into service due to the limited number of available spare parts.
Acts of malicious vandalism and arson by protestors targeting MTR stations escalated over the past long weekend including fires being set repeatedly. The MTR Corporation has conducted a review on the progress of the repair works and also a joint risk assessment with relevant government departments. Having regard to the safety of passengers and staff, the Corporation had no choice but to close 13 Heavy Rail stations from the start of traffic today (8 October). With the hard work of maintenance staff, repair works at individual stations have made progress and Po Lam and Tai Po Market stations were re-opened later today.
Over the last few months, as the number and intensity of attacks against railway stations and facilities has been increasing, MTR staff have been working with unremitting efforts to carry out repair works with the aim of providing safe and reliable railway service to the public. The tremendous efforts made by the staff are obvious for all to see. However, a large number of stations were maliciously vandalised again over the past weekend and serious damages were done to extensive parts of the whole network. As a result, the MTR network was unable to provide services in the evening of 4 October and the whole day of 5 October. The Airport Express was only able to resume limited services in the afternoon of 5 October.
As of 7 October, some 1,200 entry/exit gates, about 800 ticket-issuing machines and add-value machines, about 900 CCTV cameras, about 40 elevators and about 70 roller shutters were maliciously damaged. The number of damaged facilities have increased significantly from the numbers we reported on 4 October. Due to the extensive damages done, despite the hard work of the maintenance staff, some of the stations and station facilities were unable to be put back into service due to the limited number of available spare parts.
In spite of the difficult circumstances, the Corporation is striving its best to provide service to passengers, while the maintenance team is making every effort to repair the damaged station facilities with the aim of reopening the stations which were forced to be closed due to serious damages to provide train service to the public as soon as possible. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding by queuing up in an orderly manner during the current special service arrangements. The Corporation condemns irresponsible and illegal acts of vandalism, arson and by-law contravention and will take suitable legal actions against these cases.
In spite of the difficult circumstances, the Corporation is striving its best to provide service to passengers, while the maintenance team is making every effort to repair the damaged station facilities with the aim of reopening the stations which were forced to be closed due to serious damages to provide train service to the public as soon as possible. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding by queuing up in an orderly manner during the current special service arrangements. The Corporation condemns irresponsible and illegal acts of vandalism, arson and by-law contravention and will take suitable legal actions against these cases.
13 October 2019[]
Facilities at a large number of MTR stations and Light Rail (LR) stops were vandalised by radical protesters again during public activities yesterday (13 October 2019). As LR trackside equipment was interfered with and vandalised, affecting safe operations, the Corporation had to suspend the whole LR network early. MTR strongly condemns the irresponsible and unlawful acts and has reported the incidents to the Police.
LR Routes 705, 706, 751 and 761P running in Tin Shui Wai District were first suspended at around 3:05pm as sundry objects were thrown onto the LR tracks affecting the safety of LR operations, and road conditions were also affected by the public activities. Later on, LR signalling system equipment at the junction of Pui To Road and Ming Kum Road was maliciously vandalised. Moreover, roads near junction of LR Tai Tong Road Stop were blocked by protesters. In view of the situation and to ensure operational safety, LR service had to be suspended at around 3:40pm. Separately, ticket-issuing machines, Octopus fare processors and Passenger Information Display Panels at a number of LR stops, including LR Tin Yat, Tsing Shan Tsuen and Siu Lun stops, were vandalised. Station facilities at the stops were also defaced with spray paint.
As for Heavy Rail, various objects were thrown onto the tracks of Platform 4 (Hung Hom-bound) at Sha Tin Station on the East Rail Line at around 2:40pm, threatening the safe operation of trains. Station staff subsequently removed the objects. Violent protesters also disrupted the operation of a number of stations, including Sha Tin Wai, City One, Tai Wo, Tai Wai and Mong Kok stations. Station facilities such as entry/exit gates and CCTV cameras were vandalised, while fire service facilities were activated without authorization. A petrol bomb was hurled into Entrance/Exit B2 of Wong Tai Sin Station. The Customer Service Centre at Kwai Hing Station was surrounded by protesters and staff had to be evacuated. Fire was set to a passenger subway in Mong Kok Station, and glasses of advertising panels in the subway were also damaged, leading to injury to a female pedestrian by broken glasses on the ground when she fell on the ground. The female pedestrian was sent to hospital for treatment.
Taking into account the vandalism in various stations and that operations were severely affected, the Corporation had to close a number of stations, including Sha Tin Wai, City One, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Hing, Kwai Fong, Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan West and Tseung Kwan O stations with trains not stopping at these stations. The Corporation has been closely monitoring the public activities. To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, after risk assessment, train service on the Tsuen Wan Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Ma On Shan Line and Kwun Tong Line were suspended early. All other stations and train services on MTR lines (excluding Airport Express) and MTR Bus ended at 10pm yesterday as planned.
Reactions[]
There are news reports and online comments alleging that some of the facilities at MTR stations which are labeled as damaged in fact can function normally. We would like to point out that a large number of MTR stations have been repeatedly attacked by rioters. As of 7 October, 85 Heavy Rail stations and 53 Light Rail stops have been vandalised, with a large number of facilities damaged to varying degrees, e.g. the functionality of certain damaged equipment has been affected; some facilities were soaked, resulting in malfunctioning or the equipment only being able to function partially. There were allegations online saying that an Add-value Machine labeled as damaged actually functioned normally. The machine concerned was in fact vandalised with its display screen broken. As the machine had yet to be repaired and passengers might get hurt if they touch the display screen, a notice saying “not in service” was posted on the machine. In addition, it was alleged that some facilities such as entry/exit gates labelled as not in service actually function normally. While these machines may look intact, they suffered damages to varying degrees with some of the components broken, so much so that they may not be able to function stably and consistently. Unstable operation of equipment may cause inconvenience to passengers. Notices were put up to inform passengers that the facilities are out of service. We will resume the services as soon as possible following repair works and relevant tests.
There are queries on whether the Corporation is indeed running out of some of the spare parts. The Corporation has been striving to provide service to passengers under safe and feasible conditions. During the initial phase of the public activities, damages were not too serious and the maintenance team could still complete the repair works after service hours and resume service on the following day. However, violence has been escalating with the vandalism getting more extensive and severe. Despite stop gap measures such as flexible deployment of equipment or spare parts at different stations to facilitate the repair works, some spare parts for fare related equipment have been exhausted and damaged parts cannot be replaced. New spare parts were ordered. Although some of the spare parts have gradually arrived, it takes some time for all of them to be delivered. The maintenance team is making best endeavors, for example by trying to repair damaged parts for reuse or deploying intact equipment from other stations to the vandalised stations to maintain the basic level of service or limited service to passengers as far as practicable.
It was alleged that the damages at certain stations after they were closed were done by the police or MTR staff. Members of the public may have seen in live TV broadcast that some people damaged the roller shutters at station entrances and broke into the stations after they were closed to vandalise facilities and even set fire at stations. Such acts not only damage railway facilities but also posed severe threats to the staff of MTR who were still on duty at stations. Allegations of MTR staff vandalising railway facilities or allowing people in disguise of protesters to carry out such acts are false and absurd. The Corporation needs to deploy a tremendous amount of manpower and incur additional expenses in carrying out the repair works. The Corporation condemns such illegal acts and have reported the incidents to the Police. The Corporation appeals to those with evidence and information on the identity of the culprits to provide such information to assist in the investigation.
Regarding concerns on the presence of Police at stations which have already been closed, we stress that the Corporation is a railway operator while the responsibility for upholding law and order in the MTR network rests with the Police. Any law and order issue will be handled by the police. The Police may deploy manpower to stations to maintain law and order if the situation so requires, and if there is intelligence that there would be potential attacks at certain stations. The police will go to stations for investigation and evidence gathering if they receive reports on incidents of vandalism.
Collapsible gates have been recently installed at entrances/exits of certain stations to enhance security after station closure. Some concerns have been raised about the safety of the gates should they be connected to power. The Corporation reiterates that the facilities will not be powered and the gates will only be opened and closed manually in accordance with our guidelines. The supplier has submitted a safety report on the gate's design and operation to the Corporation. Relevant government departments have also been informed of the installation.
With the upcoming District Council election in November, the advertising agencies for the MTR Corporation have received a number of applications for election advertisements in the network. This has impacted the arrangements for putting up and removing the advertisements which may lead to the election advertisements not putting up as scheduled. All applications will be declined with effect from 17 October 2019.
High-Speed Escalation[]
In consideration of the protest activities in West Kowloon station, Entrance D will remain open for passengers to enter WEK only while Entrance K will be used for exit only and other exits will be closed. All entrances for vehicles to West Kowloon station are strictly restricted. Only people with valid tickets and travel documents are allowed to enter. Security personnel will also conduct bag checks before entering West Kowloon station.
Ticket sale service at ticket counters and ticket machines at WEK will be suspended for the whole day tomorrow while the online ticketing system, tele-ticketing system and designated ticket agents will suspend the sale of tickets for in- and outbound tickets for 20 October starting from 12 noon tomorrow. Only limited retail services are available at West Kowloon but no food outlets. Persons not holding anything are advised against entry to West Kowloon.
On 20 October 2019, following a police ban on their Civil Human Rights Front and protesters marched from Tsim Sha Tsui to West Kowloon to protest against the government's decision and condemn police brutality. The protesters continued to target MTR stations, and soon spread to other places in Kowloon. Ignited objects were hurled and fires were set to the number of MTR stations in Kowloon and station facilities were vandalised in 20 October 2019 starting from 3pm. A petrol bomb was first targeted at Yau Ma Tei station Exit A. Secondly, Mong Kok (four exits) were even burnt. The operations of Prince Edward, Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui were even affected. Fire was set at Lai Chi Kok at 5.10pm, together with extensive damages to the station at Cheung Sha Wan (faregates, and glass panels). The fire hosereel at the station was operated, splashing water into the premises.
Fire was later set at Prince Edward and Tsim Sha Tsui. Glass panels and temporary protective hoardings were also destroyed. Austin station had their gate at entrance/exit damaged, the door of the lift was forced to open with items hurled into the lift shaft and the CCTV were damaged. At Nam Cheong, multiple ticket issuing machines and faregates were also damaged, together with East Tanjong Pagar and Marina South Pier. External objects were thrown for the commuter rail, threatening the safety of the operation and disrupting passenger service. Train services resumed 10 minutes later.
During the public procession on 27 October 2019, entrances were vandalised. Rioters hurled petrol bomb into Mong Kok station. External objects such as three traffic cones and rubbish bin were thrown between Hung Hom and Mong Kok East, potentially endangering the safety of train operations, together with between Tanjong Pagar West and Alexandra stations. Additional damages were visible at Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin stations. In view of the emergency situations which is the civil unrest at Yau Ma Tei, stations were closed at 7.50pm.
November[]
Protesters also vandalised MTR station at Central and Yoshinoya branch in the area. On 2 November 2019, several police officers forcefully pulled a driver from Porsche 911 where he parked the car at Causeway Bay and sang "Glory to Hong Kong". Police were at the scene unwilling to inform the driver of the offence he has committed.
At the same time, rioters repeatedly hurled petrol bombs at Central station, which has damaged station entrances, forcing people to evacuate and early close the station. Other exits are Exit B of Causeway Bay and Exit C of Mong Kok were targeted for arson attacks.
In view of the public processions and gathering, another exit was destroyed (Exit J3) at Central, together with Exit B and C. Rioters also damaged the control mechanism of the roller shutter of Exit C, and closed it without authorisation. Central station had to be closed on 2 November 2019. Exit E at Causeway Bay was also defaced with the roller shutter being damaged. Other entrances/exits were blocked by barriers set up by rioters in Causeway Bay.
Chow Tsz-lok died on 8 November 8.09am at the age of 22, after suffering cardiac arrest. The police were criticised for intentionally obstructing the paramedics from attending to him, causing a delay to treatment (as it took the ambulance 19 minutes to reach).
Tsuen Wan station was attacked on 8 November through destroying CCTV cameras, customer service centre, exit gates and ticketing machines, and even set a petrol bomb. At Tin Shui Wai next door, the LRV encountered road blockages by protesters. They had asked to evacuate from the LRV and subsequently the rioters damaged the windows of the LRV. They also smashed the station infrastructure at Tin Heng Terminus.
Protesters also disrupted the morning commute as part of the plan for a city-wide strike, calling for students, business owners and employees to skip work and boycott classes, as a response to Alex Chow's death. Protesters started blocking roads and closed MTR stations at around 7 am, on 11 November. The MTR announced several stations to be closed.
Police also used live rounds in Sai Wan Ho that morning, in addition to tear gas rounds and pepper spray, a 21-year old man was being wounded after being shot by the police and sent to the hospital. In Kwai Chung, the traffic police officer rammed his motorbike into the protesters, resulting in 2 injuries.
With the concerted efforts, repair works are still in good progress. We have been monitoring any risk of further attack and noticed that the risk level on weekdays is lowered. All MTR lines will be providing service until 11.30pm on all weekdays, whereas on weekends, there will still be curfew up to 10pm.
On 13 November 2019, protesters set the toll gates at Cross Harbour Tunnel on fire. At one point in the morning, the MTR lines of Tsuen Wan, East Rail and Kwun Tong lines were entirely closed, together with the Light Rail and West Rail lines. The Tolo Highway was also shut down.
On 16 November 2019, the MTR East Rail Line resumed normal service, through University and Sheung Shui stations remains closed.
Clashes occurred at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where protesters set the debris on a footbridge connecting to the university campus at the MTR Hung Hom station, and used catapults to launch objects at police.
They may also decide to shorten the service hours if the risk level increases or station facilities are damaged again.
Hundreds attended a sit-in at the Yoho Mall in Yuen Long at night, marking four months since the 2019 Yuen Long attack. Other sit-ins were held at MTR stations across Hong Kong. At Heng Fa Chuen, protesters folded origami cranes and told passersby to vote in the district elections. The MTR closed Yuen Long station at 2 pm that day, much earlier than usual and ahead of the planned protest at Yoho Mall. Police arrested at least six people after their dispersal operation in Yuen Long.
December[]
Two separate protests, one on 11 December the other on 14 December, have called on the United Kingdom to terminate the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Although in 2017, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing declared that the joint declaration no longer had any realistic meaning and it was merely an historical document. Although London insisted that the treaty remains in force – a point it made again shortly after the current protests began in June, when it also demanded that Beijing continue to abide by the agreement.
In August 2019, US Vice-President Mike Pence urged China to respect Hong Kong laws amid Hong Kong protests and the China-US trade war. Chinese state media CCTV responded that the treaty is "a historical document", and has been "invalid and expired" for a long time. It claims that it is "shameful" and "ridiculous" for United States to "interfere with China's internal affairs" with such document.