Hong Kong, August 20: Embattled leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday said she hopes a non-violent protest that saw millions take to the Hong Kong streets in a pro-democracy demonstration over the weekend was the initial efforts to restore the nation’s peace.
Sunday’s mass protest was held with peace since the ongoing demonstrations against a controversial extradition bill that would allow suspects in the territory to be sent to mainland China for court prosecution.
The city’s chief executive also stated they would set up an arena immediately to hold discussions with the people of all backgrounds, according to Reuters news reports.
Hong Kong is preparing for further protests after millions of pro-democracy dissenters braved heavy rainfall to demonstrate peacefully on Sunday – marking a change into their rally that has been escalated as violent.
Some 1.7 million Hong Kongers rocked the streets on Sunday’s massive turnout that conveyed the movement still covers widespread supports instead of the chaotic scene last week, during which protesters seized the Chinese-ruled territory’s international airport.
Few activists apologized for the airport rally and crisis, and many were seen on Sunday night urging others to leave for home peacefully, according to Reuters.
On Monday, the Hong Kong police said while Sunday’s peaceful demonstration, there were violations of the peace when time counted down in evening, during which some dissenters defaced public structures and aimed laser lights at officers.