Hong Kong extradition ‘bill is dead’, not withdrawn

ANKARA

Hong Kong’s chief executive announced on Tuesday the extradition “bill is dead” as protesters demand the full withdrawal of the controversial bill, local media reported.

“People do not have to worry that we should use some means to discuss this bill again within this legislature term,” Carrie Lam said at a news conference, according to Hong Kong Free Press.

The proposed bill -- which protesters believe would pave an easy way to extradite people to mainland China -- has spurred weeks of violent protest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Following huge protests, Lam declared the draft bill was suspended from discussing at the parliament two weeks ago, however, the protesters rejected her decision, demanding the full withdrawal.

Last week, hundreds of demonstrators stormed the parliament building as they continued to put pressure on the government to listen to their demand.

More than 15 protesters have been detained and many other face police charges for joining the protests that turned violent in time to time.

"There are still lingering doubts about the government's sincerity or worries [about] whether the government will restart the process with the Legislative Council. So, I reiterate here, there is no such plan. The bill is dead," Lam said Tuesday.

However, the protesting groups rejected her latest move too, demanding the complete withdrawal of the draft bill.

Joshua Wong, a Hong Kong-based activist and secretary-general of pro-democracy party Demosisto, described Lam’s announcement as “another ridiculous lie to the people of #HongKong and foreign media.”

“Because the bill still exists in the ''legislative program'' until July next year,” he said in a series of tweets.

Wong blamed Lam of continuing word-play by refusing “to promise a formal withdrawal despite public outcry”.

“Carrie Lam is a Habitual Liar,” he said.

“I think the key is whether she would Promise NOT TO initiate the bill again during her term. She has to make it clear.”

Joshua urged the authorities “to stop prosecuting activist who participated in the protests.”

“Our demand is free election [...] We learned that the gov is planning to disqualify candidates again during District Council Election in November. I strongly oppose to further political screening,” he added.

The autonomous region which is under China’s control since 1997 is witnessing protests since early June against the local government’s move to legalize extradition to mainland China, Macao and Taiwan.

At present, the region has an extradition treaty with 20 countries including the U.S. and New Zealand.

Millions of people have held marches to stop the government from doing so. Under pressure from the public, the government on June 15 postponed the reading of the bill in its legislative council.

Previously, police arrested at least 13 protesters on several charges.