Hong Kong, June 15: Hong Kong media has on Saturday reported the territory’s government would be suspending a proposed extradition law to mainland China for a trail that has sparked mass protest and widespread anger, with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam planning to address reporters later today.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announces suspending introduction of controversial extradition law after mass protests https://t.co/YxhjzN6Ap7
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 15, 2019
According to The Guardian news reports, support for swift passage for the proposed bill began to fall apart on Friday which a senior advisor to Lam and many pro-China politicians saying discussions over the bill should be suspended for the moment.
People power in #HongKong – Carrie Lam vows not to seek passage of the extradition Bill this year. Still vows to push forward but with more consultations. A partial victory now for protestors but just kicking the can down the road #extraditionbill
— Bill Birtles (@billbirtles) June 15, 2019
The extradition law, which will cover the territory’s resident and foreign, Chinese nationals traveling or living in Hong Kong, has several concerned the bill may threaten the law rule that underpins the territory’s international financial status.
Michael Tien, a member of Hong Kong’s legislature and a deputy to China’s national parliament, said a total withdrawal of the bill was unlikely.
“The amendment is supported by the central government, so I think a withdrawal would send a political message that the central government is wrong. This would not happen under ‘one country, two systems’,” he told Reuters.
We're hearing now that #HongKong Chief Executive Carrie Lam will meet the press this afternoon to almost certainly announce a delay to the extradition bill. A partial 'people power' victory for the protestors, but only partial. https://t.co/rFGxAq19kx
— Bill Birtles (@billbirtles) June 15, 2019
Lam has stated the bill is necessary to prevent criminals from using Hong Kong as part of hiding and that the city’s court will protect human rights groups. The court will decide over case-by-case basis extradition.
Kenneth Chan, a professor in the department of government at Hong Kong Baptist University, said, “The plan aims to reduce turnout at the protest, so the government can wait for a more propitious moment to try again, perhaps after local elections in November, when students will be back at school.”