Hong Kong protesters demonstrate against extradition bill

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

Hong Kong protesters demonstrate against extradition bill

9 June 2019

Hundreds of thousands of people have marched in Hong Kong against a law critics fear could let China target political opponents in the territory.

The controversial extradition bill would allow suspected criminals to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Organisers say there were one million people, which would make it the biggest march in more than 20 years. Police say there were 240,000 at its peak.

After it ended, clashes erupted between hundreds of demonstrators and police.

Protesters, some wearing surgical masks, tried to break into the Legislative Council complex, throwing crowd control barriers around, and police in riot gear used batons and pepper spray.

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48572130


Hundreds of thousands of people joined the mainly peaceful march (EPA)

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Source: The Guardian and agencies

Hong Kong protests: Chinese state media blames 'foreign forces'

An estimated one million people took to the streets to condemn extradition bill, which critics fear could lead to abuse by Beijing

Helen Davidson in Hong Kong and agencies
Mon 10 Jun 2019 01.55 BST

“Foreign forces” are trying to hurt China by creating chaos in Hong Kong over an extradition bill that has prompted mass protests in the former British colony, an official Chinese newspaper has claimed.

Riot police surrounded Hong Kong’s parliament early on Monday after what had been a peaceful rally attended by an estimated one million people descended into running clashes between police and protesters.

Hundreds of thousands had jammed Hong Kong’s streets earlier on Sunday to protest against the bill in the biggest demonstration in years. Critics say the proposed law would allow mainland China to pursue its political opponents in the city, which has traditionally been a haven from the Communist party.

After seven hours of marching, organisers estimated that more than one million people had taken part, far outstripping a demonstration in 2003 when half that number successfully challenged government plans for tighter national security laws. A police spokesman said they estimated that 240,000 were on the march at its peak.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/10/hong-kong-protests-china-state-media-foreign-forces-extradition-bill

[Jake Stern]

1. Hong Kongers were better off under the British

China promised to keep their hands off HK but their promises are like pie crust - easily broken.