Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam says she is withdrawing extradition bill that led to prolonged protests, in a video released to the media
By Natasha Khan and Neil Western Updated Sept. 4, 2019 6:12 am ET HONG KONG—Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she would withdraw the widely unpopular China extradition bill that sparked a tumultuous summer of unrest in the city.
The protests have developed into a broader opposition movement with additional demands, including an inquiry into the Hong Kong Police Force’s handling of the demonstrations and calls for greater democracy, which have angered Beijing. Last week, Mrs. Lam told people at a private meeting that the unrest had become a national-security and sovereignty issue for Beijing. That, she told attendees, limited her options in trying to end the political crisis, according to a leaked audio recording obtained by Reuters. The comments suggested a rift with officials in Beijing who have taken a tough stance against opposition voices, labeling the more radical violent protesters terrorists and revolutionaries.
Thousands of workers went on strike this week and university and high-school students boycotted classes and held protests, dashing government hopes that the opposition movement would peter out once school started again. How effective the move will be at reducing tensions remains to be seen. Many people in the city are weary of the unrest that has closed subway stations, the city’s airport and hurt businesses. Yet anger at authorities has risen as police have been criticized for heavy handed treatment of protesters and local officials have been accused of turning deaf ears to society.
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