HONG KONG: More than 100 people blocked a Hong Kong government building on Monday in protest against proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China that they want scrapped.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, saying she had heard the protesters “loud and clear”, this month postponed the bill that would allow criminal suspects to be sent to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.
The activists, mostly students, are demanding the bill be withdrawn, the government drop all charges against those arrested in recent protests and stop referring to the demonstrations as a riot, which could potentially lead to heavier jail terms.
The protesters plan another demonstration on Wednesday to raise awareness among world leaders attending the Group of 20 nations summit in the Japanese city of Osaka this week.
The Civil Human Rights Front, organiser of the mass protests, is gearing up for an annual pro-democracy march on July 1, the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to Beijing.
The group has called on people to turn out in force.
Beijing has said it supports Lam’s decision to suspend the extradition bill, but has been angered by criticism from Western capitals, including Washington, about the legislation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged Hong Kong authorities on Monday to “consult broadly before passing or amending” the extradition bill or any other legislation.
The extradition bill triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds earlier this month.
Human rights groups have repeatedly cited the alleged use of torture, arbitrary detentions, forced confessions and problems accessing lawyers in China as reasons why the Hong Kong bill should not proceed. (Reuters)
