customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

seriesContainer

printHeadline

socialHeadline

headline

glossary

flattenTypeIds

paywallTypes

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

summary

updatedDate

flag

knowledgeQuestion

disableOffPlatformContent

published

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporters

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has formally withdrawn the controversial extradition bill that has caused nearly three months of social unrest in Hong Kong, confirming an earlier Post exclusive report.
With the move, the government has met one of the key demands of protesters who have taken to the streets over the past 13 weeks in demonstrations that have turned increasingly violent. Two masked protesters later hold a civilians' press conference outside the legislative council, calling the move a band-aid on rotting flesh and reiterating their calls for "five demands, not one less".
A government source earlier told the Post the withdrawal of the bill was to streamline the legislative agenda and was a technical move, given Lam had already declared the bill to be "dead" and pledged she would not be reintroducing it.
Our live coverage below captured events as they unfolded. 
Reporting by Sum Lok-kei, Tony Cheung, Gary Cheung, Alvin Lum, Chris Lau, Denise Tsang, Kanis Leung, Ng Kang-chung, Joanna Ma, Veronica Lin and Nicola Chan.


As it happened: Hong Kong protesters dismiss formal withdrawal of extradition bill as ‘band-aid on rotting flesh’

Members of Hong Kong's protest movement have given a statement in response to the earlier withdrawal of the extradition bill. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong protests: what is the difference between Carrie Lam suspending and withdrawing extradition bill?

News

Hong Kong

Politics

Carrie Lam said the bill was dead at a press conference on July 9. Photo: Robert Ng

Secretary for Security, John Lee Ka-chiu attends the Legislative Council meeting at the Legislative Council in Tamar. 19JUN19 SCMP / Nora Tam

Anti-government protesters attempt to extinguish tear gas canisters on Harcourt Road, Admiralty. Anti-extradition bill protesters and citizens take to streets on Hong Kong Island regardless of police refusing permission for a mass march and rally by the Civil Human Rights Front. 31AUG19 SCMP / K. Y. Cheng

Carrie Lam told Hong Kong on Wednesday she would formally withdraw her extradition law plans, following her announcement in June the bill was suspended. Photo: Robert Ng


Chief Executive Carrie Lam earlier announces formal withdrawal of the bill after three months of turmoil
Two masked protesters hold civilians’ press conference outside the legislative complex, reiterating calls for ‘five demands, not one less’



Chief executive meets political allies from the pro-establishment camp before announcement. 


Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong extradition bill

Carrie Lam

Live

Pro-government lawmakers are being called to a meeting with Carrie Lam at Government House, with the agenda expected to be the withdrawal of the extradition bill. 
Other figures expected to join the meeting are local deputies of the National People’s Congress, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and members of Lam’s cabinet, the executive councillors.
Pro-establishment lawmaker and local NPC deputy Michael Tien Puk-sun, speaking to the press earlier today, expressed worry that the withdrawal decision came a bit too late, and he believed there was a need to set up an independent inquiry into the saga.


Pro-establishment camp meets city's leader

Before the 4pm meeting, private cars taking pro-Beijing politicians, business leaders and officials streamed into Government House in Central. 
They include CK Hutchison Holdings Limited chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, former justice minister Elsie Leung Oi-sue and Basic Law Committee vice-chairwoman Maria Tam Wai-chu. 
Pro-government lawmakers such as Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee (below), Yiu Si-wing and Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung also went in.



Prominent figures arrive

Occupy leader Benny Tai Yiu-ting says the withdrawal of the bill is "definitely not enough". "[The government] must withdraw the August 31 decision [by the NPCSC], with genuine universal suffrage, then we can ensure we don't need to withdraw other evil laws," Tai says on Facebook. 


'Definitely not enough'

The scene outside Government House

Some users of LIHKG, a popular online forum that has been used by activists for organising mass rallies in recent months, remain unsatisfied with the pending withdrawal of the bill. 
Users say the government should fulfill all the demands, including setting up an independent inquiry into police handling of the protests, universal suffrage and granting amnesty to those arrested.
One thread even called for the dismissal of the police force.


Online users unmoved

A source familiar with the matter says Carrie Lam will announce the decision to withdraw the bill in a six to seven-minute pre-recorded message on all TV stations at 6pm.


'TV announcement at 6pm'

Read about our report on the pending announcement here. 


Check out our report

TV stations are now broadcasting Carrie Lam's announcement. 



Announcement comes

In a pre-recorded message televised on local TV, Carrie Lam says this: 
"Is Hong Kong still a safe place? People who hold different views are bullied. What happened over the two months has shocked many. Regarding the five demands raised by protesters, I have already announced to suspend the bill and make it clear the bill is dead."


Carrie: Is Hong Kong still a safe place? 

Carrie Lam says: "Regarding the establishment of the independent probe, we do not think we should set up a commission of inquiry and we should leave the case to the IPCC [Independent Police Complaints Council]."
She adds that the Yuen Long attack on July 21 will be one focus of the IPCC. 


'No independent probe into police actions' 

Lam says calls for amnesty are unacceptable to any city with the rule of law. She also adds that references to protests as "riots" have to be handled in accordance with prosecution guidelines. 


'Calls for amnesty unacceptable' 

Carrie Lam says this should be debated pragmatically amid a peaceful atmosphere or it will only further divide society. 


On universal suffrage...

Carrie Lam raises four actions: 
1) The government will formally withdraw the bill.
2) It will fully support the IPCC.
3) Starting this month, Lam and her ministers will go to communities to understand the grievances of people and find solutions. 
4) An independent study will be conducted on the root causes of social issues in society. 


Four actions proposed 

Winding down her recorded speech, Lam says a small number of people are challenging the 'one country, two systems' principle and national sovereignty, but violence is not the solution. 


'Stop the violence' 

Fellow citizens,
 
For more than two months, protests arising from the Fugitive Offenders Bill have continued. Our citizens, police and reporters have been injured during violent incidents. There have been chaotic scenes at the airport and MTR stations; roads and tunnels have been suddenly blocked, causing delay and inconvenience to daily life. Visitors wonder whether our city is still a safe place for travel or business. Families and friends have been under stress, and arguments have flared. We have also seen abuse and bullying in some schools and on the Internet. For many people, Hong Kong has become an unfamiliar place.
 
Incidents over these past two months have shocked and saddened Hong Kong people. We are all very anxious about Hong Kong, our home. We all hope to find a way out of the current impasse and unsettling times.


English transcript of Carrie Lam's speech (Part 1)

Of the "five demands" raised by the public, we have in fact responded on various occasions:
 
(i) First, on withdrawing the Bill. On June 15 I announced that the Bill was suspended and later reiterated that "the Bill is dead" and that all the legislative work had come to a complete halt;
 
(ii) Second, on setting up a Commission of Inquiry. The Government believes that matters relating to police enforcement actions are best handled by the existing and well-established Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), which was set up for exactly this purpose. In addition to handling complaints against individual police officers, the IPCC has undertaken a fact-finding study, under its powers, on the handling of large-scale public order events that took place after June 9. One focus will be the Yuen Long incident on July 21 which attracted serious public concern. The study aims to ascertain the facts, to assess the police handling of protests, and to make recommendations to the Government. The IPCC has established a panel of international experts to assist in its work and will make its findings and recommendations public;
 
(iii) Third, on the matter of the protest being a riot. We have explained that in fact there is no legal effect on how such incidents are described or categorised. The Department of Justice has assured the public that each and every prosecution decision is based on the evidence collected, and is in strict accordance with the relevant law and the Prosecution Code;
 
(iv) Fourth, on dropping charges against protesters and rioters and shelving prosecutions. I have explained that this is contrary to the rule of law, and is not acceptable. It also goes against the Basic Law, which states that criminal prosecutions must be handled by the Department of Justice, free from any interference;
 
(v) Fifth, on implementing universal suffrage. Indeed, this is the ultimate aim laid down in the Basic Law. As we said before, if we are to achieve this, discussions must be undertaken within the legal framework, and in an atmosphere that is conducive to mutual trust and understanding, and without further polarising society.


Transcript of Carrie Lam's speech (Part 2)

Our responses to the five demands have been made with full consideration of different constraints and circumstances. I recognise that these may not be able to address all the grievances of people in society. However, should we all think deeply whether escalating violence and disturbances is the answer? Or whether it is better to sit down to find a way out through dialogue.
 
Many would say that we need a common basis to start such a dialogue, and that this has to start with the Chief Executive. I now present four actions to initiate this dialogue.
First, the Government will formally withdraw the Bill in order to fully allay public concerns. The Secretary for Security will move a motion according to the Rules of Procedure when the Legislative Council resumes.
 
Second, we will fully support the work of the IPCC. In addition to the overseas experts, I have appointed two new members to the IPCC, namely Mrs Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping and Mr Paul Lam Ting-kwok, SC. I pledge that the Government will seriously follow up the recommendations made in the IPCC's report.
 
Third, from this month, I and my Principal Officials will reach out to the community to start a direct dialogue. People from all walks of life, with different stances and backgrounds are invited to share their views and air their grievances. We must find ways to address the discontent in society and to look for solutions.
 
Fourth, I will invite community leaders, professionals and academics to independently examine and review society's deep-seated problems and to advise the Government on finding solutions. After more than two months of social unrest, it is obvious to many that discontentment extends far beyond the Bill. It covers political, economic and social issues, including the oft-mentioned problems relating to housing and land supply, income distribution, social justice and mobility, and opportunities for our young people, as well as how the public could be fully engaged in the Government's decision-making. We can discuss all these issues in our new dialogue platform.


Transcript of Carrie Lam's speech (Part 3)

Fellow citizens, lingering violence is damaging the very foundations of our society, especially the rule of law. Some people, though not many, attacked the Central Government's office in Hong Kong and vandalised the national flag and national emblem. This is a direct challenge to "One Country, Two Systems". Both have put Hong Kong in a highly vulnerable and dangerous situation. Irrespective of our grievances, or the depth of discontentment towards the Government, we cannot agree or accept that violence is a solution to our problems. Our foremost priority now is to end violence, to safeguard the rule of law and to restore order and safety in society. As such, the Government has to strictly enforce the law against all violent and illegal acts.
 
My team and I hope that the four actions just announced can help our society to move forward. Let's replace conflicts with conversations, and let's look for solutions.
 


Transcript of Carrie Lam's speech (Part 4)

One attendee, who does not want to be named, says the meeting between Lam and the pro-establishment camp lasted more than one hour and featured a Q&A session.
Another attendee says Lam told them that the full withdrawal of the bill may help appease the moderates.
One person says five overseas experts will join the IPCC, alongside two new members, for the fact-finding exercise.


Meanwhile, from Government House...

Tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing, who attended the meeting, says the government has to employ a two-prong approach.
"On one hand the government has to make a positive gesture, on the other it has to stop the violence," Yiu says. Failing to do the latter may lead people into thinking they can achieve their goals with more violence, according to Yiu. 



'Two-prong approach needed' 

An English language version of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's earlier announced can be viewed below:



English version of Lam's speech released

Here's a report exploring what Carrie Lam was thinking when she made remarks about resigning during a closed-door meeting, from which an audio recording was later leaked: 
Yesterday (Tuesday), she faced the press to clarify her comments. 
For the full transcript of that recording, click here. 
 
 


The 'quitting' talk: what we've reported

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Paul Tse describes the measures as "too little too late".
"Why didn't she withdraw it earlier?" Tse questions. He also says the crux of the political crisis is no longer about the bill, but on Hong Kong-China tensions. 

 


'Too little, too late'

Alongside our daily coverage of the turmoil rocking Hong Kong, we have been digging deeper to examine the underlying causes of the crisis.
In a series of in-depth articles, we explore what the protesters really want, how the embattled police force has kept the city from the brink against all the odds and how the psychology of hate continues to divide both camps.


Lam writes to civil servants

Political scientist Joseph Chan Cho-wai echoes earlier views that Lam’s announcement was not enough. 
He says the government has failed to pacify the public, since no official has been sacked and no concrete moves have been made to hold police officers who used excessive force accountable.
“These did not happen, so it’s only a very little change to announce that the bill is withdrawn,” Chan says.  
“Those who believe in peaceful means may not necessarily support violence, but that doesn’t mean they will accept a government that does so little.”



Government has 'failed to pacify public'

Joshua, 17, says: "Withdrawing the bill is a really good thing as it will prevent an economic collapse in Hong Kong - our economy has been going downhill ever since the protests started [in June]." He says he will still continue to protest over the weekends, to show defiance and how the movement will not be "beaten to death".
Emily, 16, says: "My family supports the pro-Beijing camp, so I’ve not been allowed to take part in any protests over the weekends. I did, however, join the sit-in at my school on Monday." She believes Carrie Lam made the right move, but remains sceptical about what is to come. "There is no guarantee that similar bills won’t be drafted after this."
Another student surnamed Wong says: "Withdrawing the extradition bill is just responding to one of the five demands ... The majority [of protesters] will still continue until all demands are met." 
Wong says she will not give up the fight and will continue with online petitions or attending authorised rallies. 


What students think

Pan-democrats are still insisting on the five demands by protesters, with bloc convener Claudia Mo Man-ching (first pic below) describing Lam's move as "small measures". 
Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai (bottom pic) says Lam could be paving the way for tougher actions against protesters, whom he expects will continue their actions as major grievances are left unaddressed. 
If people do not accept Lam's "fake concession," Wu says she may use it as an excuse to clamp down on the protests with drastic moves such as the Emergency Regulations Ordinance. 


 


Pan-democrats dismiss 'fake concession' 

Civil Human Rights Front deputy convener Bonnie Leung says the group plans to organise a march, but the date is not yet confirmed. 


Civil Human Rights Front plans march

Here are some statistics on the social unrest rocking Hong Kong since June 9:
1,183 people arrested 
2,351 rounds of tear gas fired
473 rubber bullets fired
224 sponge-tipped rounds used
27 beanbag rounds fired
2 instances of water cannons deployed


By the numbers

A crowd has gathered outside Prince Edward MTR station, chanting slogans. They leave flowers at the entrance for those who were injured when police stormed the platform on August 31 to make arrests. Post-it notes line a metal railing, stating: "Five demands. Not one less."




Crowd gathers outside Prince Edward MTR station

Prominent social work professor Nelson Chow Wing-sun calls Carrie Lam's move "irrelevant", saying that she has again failed to listen to the public. 
"The bids to have dialogue with communities and review deep-seated problems have no direct relation to the protests," says Chow, who has advised the government on retirement issues. 
"I welcome the withdrawal of the bill, but what citizens really want is for the government to confess to mistakes, and apologise to the public, before the people can forgive the administration."
"Till today, the chief executive doesn’t seem to really understand calls from the public, especially grievances. People took to the streets because the government has not listened to them. The government completely ignored the public's views consolidated by the Land Supply Task Force, and I think this time too, the government has again not listened."


'Government has not listened ... again'

Business chambers have welcomed Lam’s decision, which they say marks the very first step in restoring business confidence and the city’s global reputation.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham) expresses support for the withdrawal of the bill and the government's response in meeting public expectations to end the ongoing crisis. 
"We believe an enhanced inquiry via the Independent Police Complaints Council to look into events since June is a positive step forward," AmCham chairman Robert Grieves says.
AmCham is confident that Hong Kong will remain Asia’s leading business hub "if timely and concerted efforts are made to resume normality of life", he adds.
Joe Chau Kwok-ming, president of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business, has also welcomed the withdrawal of the bill.
"The government has taken the first step in showing its goodwill in resolving the political crisis,” he says. "On a longer term basis, Lam should float measures to address social issues."
Chinese Manufacturers’ Association president Dennis Ng Wang-pun says the announcement is vital in turning around the city’s tense atmosphere, and urges society to be rational and weed out social conflicts through dialogue with the government.


Business chambers welcome announcement

Clerk Patrick Lau, 35, writes "dismiss the police force" on a memo note and sticks it at the entrance of the station. 
"Nothing has changed. Now four demands to go," he says.
"It's just my feeling. [Carrie Lam's move] didn't come across as genuine," he adds.
Lau says he would like to see an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality, as that was the demand that resonated with him the most, having watched footage of clashes between protesters and the force. 
Meanwhile, some people have gathered outside the control room of the station to dedicate flowers to those arrested. 



At Prince Edward MTR station...

Anthony Neoh, chairman of the police watchdog, says the withdrawal is "the right thing to do" and it is "never too late".
While the government has not established a judge-led commission of inquiry, Neoh says it could wait till after the Independent Police Complaints Council has completed its own review to pinpoint clear terms of reference. 
He says: "It would not be the best thing to appoint a commission at this point, as the more urgent task is to seek reconciliation and to find out the root causes of the protest apart from the extradition bill, including why communication between the government and the community was so bad that the administration went ahead with the bill."
"I think the government should set out a committee such as the Communities Panel in Britain after the 2011 riots," he adds. "After such a committee has filed its report, and after the IPCC work, then it will become clear whether or not a COI will serve a useful purpose and at that point, the government can with confidence set the terms of reference for such a commission."


'Never too late': police watchdog head

Hong Kong scenes during the announcement

Although only scores of people have gathered outside Mong Kok Police Station, tensions begin to flare. Police officers holding guns loaded with rubber bullets are on standby after some protesters pointed laser beams at them. A policewoman is heard warning individual protesters to stop using the laser pointers.

 


Tensions flare outside Mong Kok Police Station

Two masked protesters are holding a civilians’ presser outside the legislative complex, reiterating "five demands, not one less". They are part of a group about 50- to 60-strong, and claim that they represent protesters. 
"The withdrawal cannot compensate for our blood and tears over the past three months," says one of them. "It was a debt from three months ago, but the government and police have added more debts over the past two months. They are bankrupt on character and ethics," he adds.
The other protester says of Carrie Lam's withdrawal of the bill: "This is like applying a band-aid to rotting flesh."

 


'Applying band-aid to rotting flesh'

Protesters at the press conference say they will not settle for anything less, despite one of the demands being met. 
Another speaker warns the public not to be fooled, as the official withdrawal of the bill has to be raised with the Legislative Council. 
"However, Legco members are not elected by the Hong Kong people. They consist mainly of pro-Beijing lawmakers. Carrie Lam wants to shift the responsibility so that once the proposal is rejected, she cannot say it is her fault."
 


'Do not be fooled' 

One of the speakers at the protesters' presser, calling himself Law, says: "That Carrie Lam made the concession today shows that the strategy of cooperation between radicals and moderates, seeking international attention while piling pressure locally on the government, has worked."
Others chant: "Fight for freedom! Stand with Hong Kong."
Law says: "Only when all five of our demands are met shall we stop our fight."


'Protesters' strategy has worked'

Self-proclaimed representative Law says today is not the end of their movement but a turning point, and protesters will not stop till all demands are met. 
On the use of violence and radical actions, he says it is because protesters "love Hong Kong". "Is it wrong for them to fight for a free Hong Kong?" he asks. 
Law says he expects a planned rally at the airport this Saturday to proceed. He adds that he is not worried about the strength of the campaign waning with the start of the school term, as Hongkongers are a determined bunch. 

 


'There's no turning back'

Around 100 protesters, some wearing masks, are gathering at Po Lam MTR station and verbally abusing staff. They also surround and attempt to hit a resident who opposed their views. 
They are there to demand an explanation over why the Tseung Kwan O line was closed on August 31. 


Meanwhile, at Po Lam MTR station...

At the protesters' presser, self-proclaimed representative Law says Carrie Lam's plan of reaching out to communities was merely a public relations stunt. 
"She only needs to go down to protest sites to listen to what Hong Kong people want. Protesters are not difficult to reach. On weekends, they are out there on the streets."


'Reaching out to communities a PR stunt'

The protesters' press conference has ended after 40 minutes. The group disperse as they chant "Reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times!" and "Hong Kong people, add oil!"



End of so-called Citizens presser

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung from political group Demosisto says in a seminar in Taipei that the retraction of the bill would do nothing to stop protests. 
"In the face of police brutality ... the protests by Hongkongers will continue even if the extradition bill is withdrawn. We stick to our insistence that all of our five demands must be met and this is our resolution. Beijing now wants the Hong Kong government to retract the bill. It is actually a small fix aiming to stop Hong Kong people from taking to the streets before October 1 [China's National Day]. But our protest activities will continue."

 


Joshua Wong: protests will continue

Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping, one of the two newly appointed members of the Independent Police Complaints Council, tells the Post she was invited by Carrie Lam last week to join the body.
"It won’t be an easy job as the time frame covered by the IPCC’s fact-finding study is quite long and a lot of information is involved," she says. "My sense of honor makes it impossible for me to refuse the chief executive’s invitation."
She says her previous experience as founding director of community relations at the ICAC and as a deputy Ombudsman will help her handle challenges at the IPCC.

 


'I couldn't refuse Carrie Lam' 

About 10 riot police are on guard at the entrance of the station, and they warn people to stop shining laser beams or officers will use force and start arrests. 
A few hundred people are outside Mong Kok police station chanting "liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times". Police have warned people to leave or risk arrest. The gathering comes hours after Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced a formal withdrawal of the extradition bill. pic.twitter.com/3k3JS6dwBT
— SCMP Hong Kong (@SCMPHongKong) September 4, 2019


Few hundreds outside Mong Kok Police Station

Five to six protesters in masks are on an intersection outside Mong Kok Police Station, kneeling down with umbrellas as shields. Onlookers warn that police are targeting them. Officers raise the orange flag. pic.twitter.com/YM2GOysbRT
— SCMP Hong Kong (@SCMPHongKong) September 4, 2019


Tensions escalate in Mong Kok

A crowd that gathered earlier at Po Lam MTR station is still there, confronting staff over the closure of the Tseung Kwan O line on August 31.
The group numbers about 100 and they are chanting slogans and encouraging passengers to go by the gates without paying fares. The station then broadcasts an announcement telling them that an injunction is in place.
Protesters have also covered a surveillance camera with plastic bags.



Mood tense at Po Lam station

Protesters have blocked Sai Yeung Choi Street South with items like foam boxes as the stand-off with police in the station continue. 
Protesters pile foam boxes on Sai Yeung Choi Street South to block a road as tensions escalate outside Mong Mok Police Station. pic.twitter.com/0oTTdRuh8c
— SCMP Hong Kong (@SCMPHongKong) September 4, 2019


 
 


Street blocked in Mong Kok

The crowd in Po Lam is demanding to see station staff to inquire why the station was closed on August 31. But staff members have retreated back into their office. People say they will not leave until they get an answer.
Outside the station, more people are gathering. 



 
 


Po Lam crowd grows

The other new member appointed to the IPCC panel overseeing a probe into police handling of the protests is former Bar Association chairman Paul Lam Ting-kwok, who has responded to criticism that he is pro-establishment. 
"I do not regard myself as pro-establishment. But it does not matter how people see me, which may differ in any event. The important point is that the IPCC is an independent body in law. I am fully aware that I must discharge my statutory duties independently, and I swear I will do so.
"I am also confident that my colleagues will do the same. I believe the best way to demonstrate and prove our independence is through our work. I therefore sincerely hope that the general public can help and cooperate with us so that we can perform our statutory functions effectively. Let us finish our work first. People may then review the product of our work and, if they see fit, pass judgment."
He says he was approached about a week ago, adding that he accepted the appointment for the simple reason that "I love Hong Kong and will do whatever that is within my ability for her".


New IPCC appointee Paul Lam responds to criticism

NGO PEN America's deputy director of free expression research and policy James Tager says while the organisation welcomes the withdrawal of the extradition bill, it urges the Hong Kong government to do more.
"This extradition bill threatened to severely degrade the freedoms of Hongkongers and even those visiting Hong Kong, and we are glad to learn that Chief Executive Carrie Lam has decided to officially withdraw the bill," he says.
"With that in mind, the Hong Kong government still has far to go in ensuring the right to protest. We join other civil society groups across the globe in calling on Lam to launch an independent inquiry into police use of force against protesters, and to drop the designation of protesters as ‘rioters’. Hongkongers should feel free to protest without the fear of police abuse or being tarred as criminals."


'Government still has long way to go'

The number of people outside Po Lam MTR station has gone down but some are still staying put. The crowd has also damaged some facilities at the station. 


 


Damage at Po Lam MTR station

With the stand-off still ongoing in Mong Kok and an agitated crowd at Po Lam MTR station, we are now closing our blog. Look out for our wrap of the day's events, coming soon. 
