Chaos in Hong Kong after Mass Demonstration against Extradition Law. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Hong Kong this morning for government headquarters.
There, a controversial law is being discussed that would make extradition to China possible. The legislature announced that the debate would be postponed to a later date, but provided no further details.
The demonstrators mainly gathered in and around Lung Wo Road, one of the most crucial east-west traffic arteries near government offices.
Chaos
The street scene has since become chaos due to the many demonstrators walking through the streets. The police warned that they will use force if they do not withdraw. In the meantime, the police have fired tear gas several times at demonstrators who threw plastic bottles during the mass protest.
Last weekend hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in the former British colony to protest against the bill.
Postponed
The proposal would make it possible to deport criminals to countries with which no extradition treaty was concluded. As a result, residents of Hong Kong, which has a separate status within China, could now also be tried by the Chinese government.
Then the government decided to go ahead with the law and hold a debate today. That debate is postponed to a later date.
Protest
More than 1,000 companies announced on social media that they would close their doors and participate in the demonstration.
The trade unions informed the DPA news agency that they are encouraging their members to report sick, while the social workers ‘and teachers’ unions are planning to join in protest. Besides, a bus company announced that their drivers would drive slower to support the demonstrators.
The demonstrators also received support from Taiwan. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the hundreds of thousands in Hong Kong fighting against extradition law and for justice. Know that you are not alone, “Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told Twitter. Taiwan supports you. The will of the people will prevail.”
Don’t defy law
The pro-Chinese government in Hong Kong has called on demonstrators to “not defy the law.” In a video message, Matthew Cheung, the deputy of director Carrie Lam, calls on the demonstrators to stop blocking the streets near the government buildings.
“I also call on the citizens who have gathered to show as much restraint as possible, to break up peacefully and not to defy the law,” said Cheung.
