Banker flash mob in Hong Kong as financial sector workers gather in Chater Garden to protest against government handling of extradition bill crisis

Hundreds of office workers join protest against government’s handling of extradition bill crisis

On cue, protesters raise phones with flashlight on and chant slogans – then they applaud and disperse

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A flash mob was held by financial workers on Thursday at Chater Garden in Central. The crowd called on the government to respond to protesters’ demands. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 10:40pm, 1 Aug 2019Updated: 6:31pm, 2 Aug 2019

A flashily dressed flash mob converged on a park in Hong Kong’s business district on Thursday evening, as hundreds of office workers joined a protest against the government’s handling of the extradition bill crisis.

There was none of the violence the city has become used to during protests against the bill, which would have allowed the transfer of fugitives to mainland China among other jurisdictions. But the usually peaceful Chater Garden in Central was a little rowdier as the gathering chanted anti-government slogans, before marching the short distance to the IFC Mall.

Many said they were responding to an online campaign calling on those working in the financial sector to join the protest after work on Thursday.

Supposedly a leaderless movement, others were there distributing face masks and placards to participants. They all declined to be interviewed.

It’s important for Hong Kong people to take every opportunity to voice their discontent with the government

Irene Lau, a clerk at a trading company

Likewise, there was no organiser to confirm a headcount, though some participants estimated there were at least 600 people there.