Hong Kong officially withdraws extradition bill; protesters call for more demands
  • 5 years ago
After demonstrations against an extradition law carried on for months,...Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the bill on Wednesday.
However, it is unlikely to fully satisfy the public as the protesters now demand a wider range of democracy.
Yoon Jung-min reports.
Hong Kong officially withdrew on Wednesday an extradition bill that sparked months-long mass protests across the city.
"As a result of the divided public in regards to the bill, there have been conflicts within society. I formally announce the withdrawal of the bill."
As the legislature formally scrapped the controversial bill,... extradition of criminal suspects to mainland China will not happen, according to Reuters.
But the city is unlikely to return to normalcy, as the bill withdrawal is only one of five demands emphasized by pro-democracy protesters.
Apart from withdrawing the bill,... the protesters have been calling for authorities to allow direct elections, an amnesty for those charged with rioting and resignation of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam.
Also on Wednesday, authorities released a murder suspect whose case led to the extradition bill in the first place.
Last year, the suspect who is a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Taiwan before fleeing back to the city.
After 19 months in jail, the suspect said he would voluntarily turn himself in and face trial in Taiwan.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.
Recommended