Hong Kong Withdraws Extradition Bill: SCMP

Large crowds of Hong Kong protesters began organizing in mid-June soon after the government introduced a bill allowing extradition of criminal suspects to jurisdictions with which the city lacks a treaty, including China. Announcement of suspension on June 16 was not enough and spurred 2 million to take the streets in peaceful protest. Weeks passed and the protests took a violent turn with petrol bombs and property destruction. After nearly three months of refusing to withdraw the bill, Carrie Lam complied with formal withdrawal. “She will also set up an investigative platform to look into fundamental causes of the social unrest and suggest solutions for the way forward, stopping short of turning it into a full-fledged commission of inquiry, as demanded by protesters,” reports South China Morning Post. Protesters had since expanded their demands to include amnesty for arrested protesters, an investigation that holds police accountable and political reforms. Authorities hope withdrawal of what the South China Morning Post calls the “much-despised extradition bill” is enough to deescalate protests in the financial capital. Such cities cannot endure discontent, protests and worrisome extradition laws for long without erosion of status. – YaleGlobal