Thousands of pro-democracy protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Monday to demonstrate against a recent proposed extradition bill, as the city marked the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony's handover to China.
Since the July 1 handover in 1997, citizens of Hong Kong — a Special Administrative Region of China — have been rallying every year to demand for democracy. Organizers said that about 50,000 people rallied last year, but police said there were less than 10,000 protesters at its peak.
Following days of protests which became one of the city's largest and most violent rally in decades, theOn Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam finally again after being accused for not being seen in public since June 18 — when shePublic outrage over how she handled the protests, including her issued apologies through the city's spokespeople, have led to
Lam has been criticized for mishandling the police violence against the protesters in Hong Kong and only acting on behalf of the Chinese government. But protesters started setting up barricades across nearby streets as early as 4:30 a.m. local time, leading to a standoff with police blocking access to the square. They began moving toward the police as the ceremony was about to take place at 8 a.m. While officers drove back demonstrators with plastic shields, the retreating protesters pointed open umbrellas to ward off pepper spray.Hong Kong has been divided between pro-democracy and pro-Beijing groups for years.
But even pro-business groups have recently showed concern for Hong Kong's independent judiciary system.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong artist wields a paintbrush at Hong Kong mass protestsFor 53-year-old Perry Dino, a paintbrush and canvas are weapons for opposing the...
Read more »
Hong Kong marks handover to China with ceremony and protestsHong Kong’s leader pledged to be more responsive to public sentiment as the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony's return to China was met with more protests against her government amid fears of eroding freedoms in the territory.
Read more »
In Taiwan, Hong Kong immigrants despair over future back homeKitty Wong and Adolf Lim are tightening the screws on their future in Taiwan as ...
Read more »
Extradition bill fury likely to fuel numbers at Hong Kong annual rallyHong Kong is gearing up for an annual pro-democracy march on Monday, the anniver...
Read more »
Opponents of Hong Kong extradition law plan another protestOpponents of a proposed extradition law plan a protest Monday as Hong Kong marks the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony's handover to China, and police said they were taking steps to prevent the possible disruption of a flag-raising ceremony.
Read more »