Embattled Hong Kong leader Lam suspends China extradition bill

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam takes a drink of water as she speaks during a press conference at government headquarters in Hong Kong on June 15. AFP-Yonhap

A group of Hong Kong mothers attend a rally in Hong Kong, June 14. The mothers started an online petition, signed by tens of thousands, to voice their disagreement with Chief Executive Carrie Lam's analogy likening herself and people protesting an extradition bill to a mother and her spoiled children during an interview. The petition said the mothers would definitely not use tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds on their own children. It also urged Lam, "as the head of the city and a servant to the people," to postpone or scrap the legal amendment in light of the strong opposition. EPA-Yonhap

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam delayed indefinitely Saturday a proposed law to allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial after wide spread anger and large-scale protests in the Asian financial hub.

In one of the most significant climb downs by the government since Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, Lam said the city's legislature would stop all work on the bill. The next steps would be decided after consultations with various parties, she said.

About 1 million people marched through Hong Kong last Sunday to protest the bill, according to organizers of the march. Street demonstrations throughout the week were met with tear gas and rubber bullets from the police, plunging the city into chaos.

The extradition bill, which will cover Hong Kong residents and foreign and Chinese nationals living or travelling in the city, has many concerned it may threaten the rule of law that underpins Hong Kong's international financial status. (Reuters)