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Hong Kong’s protest-hit banks allowed to keep protective covers, despite taking up public land

  • Supporters of the anti-government movement lodged a series of complaints about the fortifications, put up by banks and businesses attacked by demonstrators
  • Lands Department orders their removal, before suspending its action in light of the sites’ security needs

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Many Bank of China branches have been fortified against possible attacks by protesters. Photo: Dickson Lee

Protective structures used to prevent banks from being attacked by protesters will be allowed to stay, despite encroaching onto public land, Hong Kong’s government has decided.

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That came after a campaign of complaints by protest supporters against fortified Bank of China branches.

During anti-government unrest which has gripped Hong Kong for months, protesters have targeted mainland Chinese banks and other businesses judged to be pro-Beijing, smashing up outlets and setting some on fire. Some have built metal-and-wood barriers around their premises, which in some cases have encroached onto the pavement.

Users of LIHKG, an online platform popular among protesters, urged people to identify mainland-backed banks whose barriers occupied government land, and lodge complaints to the Lands Department in the hope of officials issuing a demolition order.

A Bank of China branch in Tuen Mun, boarded up after an attack by anti-government protesters. Photo: Felix Wong
A Bank of China branch in Tuen Mun, boarded up after an attack by anti-government protesters. Photo: Felix Wong
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In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the department said complaints had been filed against a Bank of China branch on Kau Yuk Road in Yuen Long. It said it served a demolition order last Friday, demanding that the bank remove the protective structure before November 25.

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