Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has delayed indefinitely a proposed law to allow extraditions to mainland China after widespread anger over the bill sparked violent protests.
Hong Kong - Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Saturday delayed indefinitely a proposed law to allow extraditions to mainland China, in a dramatic retreat after widespread anger over the bill sparked violent protests in the Asian finance hub.
"After repeated internal deliberations over the last two days, I now announce that the government has decided to suspend the legislative amendment exercise, restart our communication with all sectors of society, do more explanation work and listen to different views of society," Lam told a news conference.
Beyond the public outcry, the extradition bill had spooked some of Hong Kong's tycoons into starting to move their personal wealth offshore, according to financial advisers, bankers and lawyers familiar with the details. "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, referring to the model under which Hong Kong enjoys semi-autonomy.In addition to calling for the bill to be completely dropped, they would also be pushing for accountability of the police for the way protests have been handled.
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