Having Sparked Close To 5 Months Of Protests, Hong Kong Government Officially Withdraws Controversial Extradition Bill

Hong Kong on Wednesday (23 October) officially withdrew the controversial extradition bill, which sparked over 20 weeks of protest and civil unrest pitching the island nation in a political turmoil.

The move came a week late due to protests at the Legislative Council during the Chief Executive's policy address, reported Hong Kong Free Press.

The second reading for the bill resumed on Wednesday (23 October). Secretary for Security John Lee then requested the legislature to withdraw the bill.

The controversial bill, which sought to allow fugitive transfers to mainland China, led to a large-scale protest march on 9 June, which was reportedly attended by one million people.

However, the Hong Kong government refused to withdraw the bill, citing the need to close a legal loophole. Protesters and police then clashed outside the legislature on 12 June, resulting in the first use of tear gas by police since the 2014 Umbrella Movement. Demonstrations have continued to protest every weekend since.

On 9 July, Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam declared the bill dead but stopped short of announcing a full withdrawal. Later on 4 September, after continued protests, Lam finally said that the bill would be formally withdrawn from the legislature.

(With inputs from IANS)