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Thu, Mar

Hong Kong's Carrie Lam Withdraws Bill That Sparked Protests

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Hong Kong leader, Carrie Lam has formally withdrawn the embattle extradition bill that sparked months of street protests in the city.

 

In a televised address Wednesday, Lam said the government would "formally withdraw the bill in order to fully allay public concerns."

 

"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," she said.

 

Lam suspended the bill in June after the Hong Kongers protested against it, with protesters surrounding the city’s legislature on the day of its planned second reading. However, that suspension did not satisfy protesters, who demanded the bill's complete withdrawal.

 

Meanwhile, opposition politicians and other activists view the decision taken by Lam as too late because the movement has become more than the bill. The protesters’ demands have become five, of which withdrawal of the bill is only one out of the five key demands.

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