Heavyweight backing for independent inquiry into Hong Kong extradition bill clashes
- Ex-government ministers and former allies of the city leader among 35 signatories of joint statement
- Religious leaders call for full withdrawal of the legislation
Local Christian leaders joined the call in a separate appeal. In the joint message, Cardinal John Tong and Reverend Eric So Shing-yit, chairman of the Hong Kong Christian Council, also urged the bill’s withdrawal.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, 35 signatories to the first statement said a commission of inquiry would be the best way to ease tensions and heal divisions in society in the wake of the debacle over city leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s extradition bill.
“The chief executive should show her political and moral courage to resolve the ongoing conflicts in society,” the statement read.
“Political problems have to be resolved by political means. The government should not put frontline police officers near flashpoints of political conflicts.”