Anti-extradition bill protesters continue pressure tactics against Hong Kong government as calls mount for independent inquiry into June 12 violence

Election forum cancelled out of concern for public safety as protesters vow to march to foreign consulates for support

Tactics add to wider campaign to push embattled government to completely shelve fugitive bill

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Protesters storm the Revenue Tower in Wan Chai on Monday, demanding the extradition bill be withdrawn. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 9:06pm, 25 Jun 2019Updated: 11:40am, 26 Jun 2019

Hong Kong’s election authority on Tuesday abruptly cancelled a public forum on the upcoming district council elections after it was learned that protesters planned to crash the event as part of a campaign to force the government to scrap its unpopular extradition bill.

The Electoral Affairs Commission said the move to call off the forum just hours before it was expected to begin was made out of concern for public safety. The commission’s decision came after messages emerged on the internet and social media that said protesters intended to disrupt the forum to protest against the fugitive bill – as well as the disqualifications of pro-democracy activists from previous elections.

“After a risk assessment, the commission has decided to cancel today's public forum,” it said in a statement, citing “public safety and security considerations.”

The commission said there would not be any forum before the end of the consultation period on July 10, and that members of the public could only make written submissions.

The protesters’ tactics appeared to be part of a wider campaign to put pressure on the embattled Hong Kong government to completely shelve the unpopular fugitive bill.

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