Hong Kong extradition bill debate delayed as protesters block lawmakers
Tens of thousands of residents blocked lawmakers from entering the Legislative Council, forcing the body to postpone a debate on a bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China for trial
Wednesday, 12th June 2019

Tens of thousands of residents blocked lawmakers from entering the Legislative Council, forcing the body to postpone a debate on a bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China for trial.
The protesters, most of them young people dressed in black, erected barricades as they prepared to hunker down for an extended occupation of the area, in scenes reminiscent of pro-democracy “Occupy” protests that gridlocked the former British colony in 2014.
Protesters rallied in and around Lung Wo Road, a main east-west artery near the offices of embattled Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as hundreds of riot police, some armed with batons and plastic shields, warned them to stop advancing.
Opposition to the bill on Sunday triggered Hong Kong’s biggest political demonstration since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” deal guaranteeing it special autonomy, including freedom of assembly, free press and independent judiciary.
But many accuse China of extensive meddling since then, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with local elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders.
Lam has vowed to press ahead with the legislation despite deep concerns in the Asian financial hub, including among business leaders, that it could undermine those freedoms and investor confidence and erode the city’s competitive advantages.
The government said debate on the bill that was due to take place in the city’s 70-seat Legislative Council on Wednesday would be delayed until further notice.
The legislature is controlled by a pro-Beijing majority.
Beijing again reiterated that the “one country, two systems” formula is best for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.
“The practice of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong has achieved remarkable success. This is an undeniable objective fact,” Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman An Fengshan told a regular news briefing in Beijing.
Monika Walker is an experienced journalist specializing in global political developments and international relations. With a keen eye for accuracy and analysis, Monika has been reporting for over a decade, bringing stories to light that matter to readers around the world. She holds a degree in International Journalism and is passionate about giving a voice to underrepresented communities through factual reporting.
Latest
- Lucian Carnival 2025: Global Celebrities and Influencers shi...
-
WCL 2025 South Africa vs Pakistan Highlights: Pakistan Champ... -
Dominica Budget 2025 Highlights: Tourism Booms with 9.9% Ris... -
33 new fish species discovered in Guyana after 2024 expediti... -
Belize: Former Ambassador Said “Badi” Guerra charged with se...