Hong Kong formally withdraws extradition bill after violent protests

Hong Kong legislature has formally withdrawn the controversial extradition bill on October 23 which prompted outrage and led to violent pro-democracy protests. There were talks about revoking the bill in July after massive protests gripped the streets, however, the formal processes could only be completed until the Parliament resumed in October. Although the protests had started over the extradition bill, they have grown into an aggressive demonstration demanding full democracy of Hong Kong from Beijing. 

One of the five demands accepted

The decision means that the pro-China government has finally acceded to one of the five demands of the protesters, who flooded the streets over the past months against the legislation and the governance of the city. The protestors have been demanding the formal withdrawal of the bill as well as setting up of a commission of inquiry to investigate police conduct in tackling the protests. They also demanded amnesty for those who have been arrested and restart the city's stalled political reform process. However, Carrie Lam had earlier denied accepting the other demands by the protesters.

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The extradition bill

The extradition bill, which had permitted Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China to face the trial, is one of the main concerns of pro-democracy protesters. Hong Kong was returned under China with a "one country, two systems" formula. This equation enables Hong Kong to keep opportunities not enjoyed in mainland China. These opportunities include freedom to protest and an independent legal system. Subsequently, there was an outrage over the extradition bill.  

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Unrest continues unabated

The Hong Kong police officials had strengthened their measures for the recently unauthorized march organised by protesters, especially since the latest unrest that has disrupted life in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory in June. The black-clad masked protesters reportedly barricaded the streets at multiple locations in Kowloon where the subway operator had restricted passenger access. Reportedly, a firebomb was also tossed at one of the subway stations. In addendum to growing violence, the protesters tore off stones from the sidewalk and scattered them on the road, commandeered the safety barriers and even unscrewed metal railings to form the makeshift roadblocks. 

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(With inputs from agencies)