City
Epaper

HK chief urged to revoke extradition bill or face new protests

By IANS | Updated: June 20, 2019 15:10 IST

Representatives of opposition movements in Hong Kong on Thursday gave an ultimatum to Chief Executive Carrie Lam to permanently withdraw the controversial extradition bill or be prepared for new protests.

Open in App

Pro-democratic opposition newspaper Apple Daily called for fresh protests from Friday if Lam did not accept the demands by 5 p.m. on Thursday, a call which is being widely followed on social media.

One of Hong Kong's most prominent student activists, Joshua Wong, 22, who is widely known for his leading role in the 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella" protests, told Efe news that they did not issue the ultimatum but were backing it.

"We have not set a deadline, but we will support and support what others do. This movement does not have a leader right now," said the young activist when asked about the call for protests.

"A lot of movement is expected in the next two weeks," he added in reference to fresh protests demanding Lam's resignation, the release of those who have been detained in demonstrations and the complete withdrawal of the legislation that would allow crime suspects sent to mainland China to stand trial.

"The government should begin listening to people and less to political leaders," he warned.

Meanwhile, Bonnie Leung, the spokesperson of Civil Human Rights Front, a coalition of about 50 organisations, told Efe news that "there are lots of actions initiated by different groups and individuals in the civil society" and added that her organization "would like to join them".

"But as we always stress, CHRF wants to do our best to make sure all participants will be safe legally and physically during any actions," she said.

The ultimatum, which calls for protesters to surround the government's headquarters on Friday in acts of civil disobedience if the demands are not met, has been supported by associations of university students and pro-democracy lawmakers.

On Tuesday, Lam at a press conference offered her "most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong" and asked its citizens to give her another opportunity so that her government could rebuild trust.

The extradition bill has been met with opposition from various sectors of society on grounds that Hong Kong would lose its judicial independence and according to human rights organisations, it would allow activists, non-profit workers and journalists to be tried in a Chinese judicial system which offers no guarantees.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Hong KongLAMEFEJoshua Wong
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalTyphoon Ragasa Live Tracker Map: Deadly Cyclonic Storm Nears Vietnam After Wreaking Havoc in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; Check Real-Time Status

CricketHong Kong Sixes 2025: Dinesh Karthik Appointed Captain of Team India

CricketBAN vs HK 2025 LIVE Cricket Streaming: When and Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025 Match Between Bangladesh and Hong Kong?

CricketBangladesh vs Hong Kong, Asia Cup 2025: Likely Playing XI, Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report, Weather Forecast and Other Stats

CricketRashid Khan-Led Afghanistan Beat Hong Kong by 94 Runs in Asia Cup 2025 Opener (VIDEO)

International Realted Stories

InternationalGlobal voices call for urgent action to safeguard women and children in Pakistan and Bangladesh

InternationalDeputy Chairman highlights India's progress in disaster management, urges global action for stronger disaster preparedness

International"Democrats did nothing to help us": JD Vance on federal govt shutdown

International"Pure partisan politics played by Democratic party: White House on US govt shutdown

InternationalAfghanistan restores internet after 72-hour nationwide blackout