Hong Kong extradition bill: thousands of protesters block city streets and prepare for worst as riot police gather nearby
- Demonstrators stopping traffic from accessing Tim Mei and Tim Wa avenues, with metal barriers on Lung Wo Road
- Controversial legislation is expected to have second reading at Legislative Council on Wednesday
Thousands of protesters angry at the Hong Kong government’s contentious extradition bill have blocked streets around the Legislative Council complex on Wednesday, bringing parts of the city to a standstill.
Demonstrators occupied Tim Mei and Tim Wa avenues in Admiralty, and placed metal barriers across Lung Wo Road and Harcourt Road.
Motorists have been forced to find other routes around Hong Kong, while trains were briefly prevented from stopping at the MTR station in Admiralty.
Protesters camped overnight in Tamar Park ahead of the protest, with the government’s controversial legislation expected to return to a full council meeting on Wednesday morning.
Hundreds of protesters, mostly young people, began gathering on Tuesday night in a protest organised online, and while the situation remained peaceful, many protesters wore makeshift protective gear including masks, cling film and goggles.
Police officers in riot gear and armed with shields, helmets, rifles and batons stood nearby.