Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been freed from prison and pledged to join the ongoing mass protest movement demanding the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, steps down over a controversial extradition bill.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong released from jail

Beijing reiterated its backing of Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Monday after a massive demonstration demanding her resignation over a controversial extradition bill.

Protest organisers said some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clog-streets-in-hong-kong-demand-carrie-lams-resignation-227593">2 million people choked Hong Kong's streets</a> on Sunday -- despite Lam's decision to indefinitely suspend the passage of the bill a day earlier.

Critics fear the Beijing-backed law will entangle people in China's notoriously opaque and politicised courts and damage the city's reputation as a safe business hub.

Although Lam <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-executive-carrie-lam-apologises-for-conflicts-and-disputes-in-hong-kong-227674">offered a rare concession</a> on Saturday, she stopped short of committing to permanently scrapping the unpopular law.

Her gesture was swiftly rejected by protest leaders who called on her to resign, shelve the bill entirely and apologise for police using tear gas and rubber bullets earlier in the week.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-is-hong-kongs-china-extradition-plan-so-controversial-226044">Why is Hong Kong's China extradition plan so controversial?</a>

But Lam -- the first woman to get the international financial hub's top job -- continues to enjoy support from the Chinese leadership.

"The central government will continue to firmly support the chief executive and efforts by the government of the Special Administrative Region to govern according to law," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing.

Watch: 'Carrie Lam must step down,' says freed Hong Kong activist

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Lam took over as Hong Kong's chief executive in March 2017 when a committee stacked with Beijing loyalists voted her into office.

Beijing had earlier backed Lam's decision to suspend the bill saying it was an attempt to "listen more widely" to different views and "restore calm."

But Lu from China's foreign ministry said the protests are "not in line with the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong."

"Many facts have shown that foreign governments and even some politicians have been making inflammatory remarks since the decision of the Hong Kong government to start amending the extradition ordinance in February," Lu said.

Beijing reiterated its backing of Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Monday after a massive demonstration demanding her resignation over a controversial extradition bill.

Beijing reiterated its backing of Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Monday after a massive demonstration demanding her resignation over a controversial extradition bill. Protest organisers said some 2 million people choked Hong Kong's streets on Sunday -- despite Lam's decision to indefinitely suspend the passage of the bill a day earlier. Critics fear the Beijing-backed law will entangle people in China's notoriously opaque and politicised courts and damage the city's reputation as a safe business hub. Although Lam offered a rare concession on Saturday, she stopped short of committing to permanently scrapping the unpopular law. Her gesture was swiftly rejected by protest leaders who called on her to resign, shelve the bill entirely and apologise for police using tear gas and rubber bullets earlier in the week. In pics: Why is Hong Kong's China extradition plan so controversial? But Lam -- the first woman to get the international financial hub's top job -- continues to enjoy support from the Chinese leadership. "The central government will continue to firmly support the chief executive and efforts by the government of the Special Administrative Region to govern according to law," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing. Watch: 'Carrie Lam must step down,' says freed Hong Kong activist × Lam took over as Hong Kong's chief executive in March 2017 when a committee stacked with Beijing loyalists voted her into office. Beijing had earlier backed Lam's decision to suspend the bill saying it was an attempt to "listen more widely" to different views and "restore calm." But Lu from China's foreign ministry said the protests are "not in line with the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong." "Many facts have shown that foreign governments and even some politicians have been making inflammatory remarks since the decision of the Hong Kong government to start amending the extradition ordinance in February," Lu said.

Will 'firmly support' Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam: China

Protesters are set to take to the streets of Hong Kong again on Sunday, a day after the government suspended its extradition bill but balked at withdrawing the controversial proposal.

Hong Kong suspends controversial Extradition Bill

Tens of thousands are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-huge-rally-after-leader-climbdown-227457">expected to take to the streets in Hong Kong </a>on Sunday to demand the city`s leader steps down, a day after she <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-divisive-extradition-law-will-be-suspended-227273">suspended an extradition bill</a> following the most violent protests in decades.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday indefinitely delayed the bill that could send people to mainland China to face trial, expressing "deep sorrow and regret".

The about-face was one of the most significant political turnarounds by the Hong Kong government since Britain returned the territory to China in 1997, and it threw into question Lam`s ability to continue to lead the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-backs-suspension-of-hong-kong-extradition-bill-227355">'We respect and understand this decision,' China backs suspension of Hong Kong extradition bill</a>

Organisers of Sunday`s protest said they hope more than a million people will turn up for the rally, similar to numbers they estimated for a demonstration against the proposed extradition bill last Sunday. Police put that count at 240,000.

Violent clashes on Wednesday when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters grabbed global headlines and forced some banks to shut branches.

Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore over concerns about the proposed extradition law, which critics warn could erode the city`s international status.

The city`s independent legal system was guaranteed under laws governing Hong Kong`s return from British to Chinese rule 22 years ago, and is seen by business and diplomatic communities as its strong remaining asset amid encroachments from Beijing.

Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since its return to Beijing, allowing freedoms not enjoyed on mainland China but not a fully democratic vote.

Many accuse Beijing of extensive meddling since then, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders.

Some opponents of the extradition bill said a suspension was not enough and want it scrapped and Lam to go.

"If she refuses to scrap this controversial bill altogether, it would mean we wouldn`t retreat. She stays on, we stay on," said pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo.&nbsp;

Asked repeatedly on Saturday if she would step down, Lam avoided answering directly and appealed to the public to "give us another chance.&nbsp;

Lam said she had been a civil servant for decades and still had work she wanted to do.

She added that she felt "deep sorrow and regret that the deficiencies in our work and various other factors have stirred up substantial controversies and disputes in society".

Lam`s reversal was hailed by business groups and overseas governments.

"AmCham is relieved by the government decision to suspend the extradition bill and that it listened to the Hong Kong people and international business community," said Tara Joseph, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

The UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter, "Well done HK Government for heeding concerns of the brave citizens who have stood up for their human rights".

China`s top newspaper on Sunday condemned "anti-China lackeys" of foreign forces in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

"Certain people in Hong Kong have been relying on foreigners or relying on young people to build themselves up, serving as the pawns and lackeys of foreign anti-China forces," the ruling Communist Party`s official People`s Daily said in a commentary.&nbsp;

"This is resolutely opposed by the whole of the Chinese people including the vast majority of Hong Kong compatriots."

The Hong Kong protests have been the largest in the city since crowds came out against the bloody suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations centred around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

Officials said 72 people were admitted to hospitals from the Wednesday protest, while a man died on Saturday after plunging from construction scaffolding where he unfurled a banner denouncing Hong Kong’s extradition bill, local media reported.&nbsp;

Lam had said the extradition law was necessary to prevent criminals using Hong Kong as a place to hide and that human rights would be protected by the city`s court which would decide on the extraditions on a case-by-case basis.

Critics, including leading lawyers and rights groups, note China`s justice system is controlled by the Communist Party, and say it is marked by torture and forced confessions, arbitrary detention and poor access to lawyers.

Tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets in Hong Kong on Sunday to demand the city`s leader steps down, a day after she suspended an extradition bill following the most violent protests in decades.

Tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets in Hong Kong on Sunday to demand the city`s leader steps down, a day after she suspended an extradition bill following the most violent protests in decades. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday indefinitely delayed the bill that could send people to mainland China to face trial, expressing "deep sorrow and regret". The about-face was one of the most significant political turnarounds by the Hong Kong government since Britain returned the territory to China in 1997, and it threw into question Lam`s ability to continue to lead the city. Also read: 'We respect and understand this decision,' China backs suspension of Hong Kong extradition bill Organisers of Sunday`s protest said they hope more than a million people will turn up for the rally, similar to numbers they estimated for a demonstration against the proposed extradition bill last Sunday. Police put that count at 240,000. Violent clashes on Wednesday when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters grabbed global headlines and forced some banks to shut branches. Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore over concerns about the proposed extradition law, which critics warn could erode the city`s international status. The city`s independent legal system was guaranteed under laws governing Hong Kong`s return from British to Chinese rule 22 years ago, and is seen by business and diplomatic communities as its strong remaining asset amid encroachments from Beijing. Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since its return to Beijing, allowing freedoms not enjoyed on mainland China but not a fully democratic vote. Many accuse Beijing of extensive meddling since then, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. Some opponents of the extradition bill said a suspension was not enough and want it scrapped and Lam to go. "If she refuses to scrap this controversial bill altogether, it would mean we wouldn`t retreat. She stays on, we stay on," said pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo. Asked repeatedly on Saturday if she would step down, Lam avoided answering directly and appealed to the public to "give us another chance. Lam said she had been a civil servant for decades and still had work she wanted to do. She added that she felt "deep sorrow and regret that the deficiencies in our work and various other factors have stirred up substantial controversies and disputes in society". Lam`s reversal was hailed by business groups and overseas governments. "AmCham is relieved by the government decision to suspend the extradition bill and that it listened to the Hong Kong people and international business community," said Tara Joseph, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. The UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter, "Well done HK Government for heeding concerns of the brave citizens who have stood up for their human rights". China`s top newspaper on Sunday condemned "anti-China lackeys" of foreign forces in Hong Kong. "Certain people in Hong Kong have been relying on foreigners or relying on young people to build themselves up, serving as the pawns and lackeys of foreign anti-China forces," the ruling Communist Party`s official People`s Daily said in a commentary. "This is resolutely opposed by the whole of the Chinese people including the vast majority of Hong Kong compatriots." The Hong Kong protests have been the largest in the city since crowds came out against the bloody suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations centred around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. Officials said 72 people were admitted to hospitals from the Wednesday protest, while a man died on Saturday after plunging from construction scaffolding where he unfurled a banner denouncing Hong Kong’s extradition bill, local media reported. Lam had said the extradition law was necessary to prevent criminals using Hong Kong as a place to hide and that human rights would be protected by the city`s court which would decide on the extraditions on a case-by-case basis. Critics, including leading lawyers and rights groups, note China`s justice system is controlled by the Communist Party, and say it is marked by torture and forced confessions, arbitrary detention and poor access to lawyers.

Tens of thousands expected to rally to demand Hong Kong leader steps down

In this videos, Journalist, Atul Aneja speaks to WION over Hong Kong protests.

Hong Kong protesters demand complete withdrawal of bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-executive-carrie-lam-apologises-for-conflicts-and-disputes-in-hong-kong-227674">Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologises for 'conflicts and disputes' in Hong Kong</a>

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Sunday for the way her administration tried to pass a law allowing extraditions to China, the cause of unprecedented protests and clashes this week.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-to-be-delivered-next-month-erdogan-227569">Russia's S-400 missile defence system to be delivered next month: Erdogan</a>

Turkey expects the delivery of the controversial Russian S-400 missile defence system to begin in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying in Turkish media on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-wife-sara-convicted-for-misuse-of-state-funds-227561">Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara convicted for misuse of state funds</a>

An Israeli court Sunday convicted the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fraudulently using state funds for meals, under a plea bargain which saw her admit to lesser charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-six-symbol-rohit-sharma-hits-most-sixes-beats-dhonis-record-227634">India's 'six symbol': Rohit Sharma hits most sixes; beats Dhoni's record</a>

Centurion Rohit Sharma has now become India's No-1 six-hitter racking up 358 sixes in ODIs, T20s and Tests surpassing another six-master Dhoni who had hit 355 sixes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-scale-back-nuclear-deal-commitments-report-227660">Iran to scale back nuclear deal commitments: Report</a>

Iran will announce further moves on Monday to scale back compliance with an international nuclear pact that the United States abandoned last year, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

&nbsp;

Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologises for 'conflicts and disputes' in Hong Kong Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Sunday for the way her administration tried to pass a law allowing extraditions to China, the cause of unprecedented protests and clashes this week.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologises for 'conflicts and disputes' in Hong Kong Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Sunday for the way her administration tried to pass a law allowing extraditions to China, the cause of unprecedented protests and clashes this week. Russia's S-400 missile defence system to be delivered next month: Erdogan Turkey expects the delivery of the controversial Russian S-400 missile defence system to begin in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying in Turkish media on Sunday. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara convicted for misuse of state funds An Israeli court Sunday convicted the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fraudulently using state funds for meals, under a plea bargain which saw her admit to lesser charges. India's 'six symbol': Rohit Sharma hits most sixes; beats Dhoni's record Centurion Rohit Sharma has now become India's No-1 six-hitter racking up 358 sixes in ODIs, T20s and Tests surpassing another six-master Dhoni who had hit 355 sixes. Iran to scale back nuclear deal commitments: Report Iran will announce further moves on Monday to scale back compliance with an international nuclear pact that the United States abandoned last year, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hong Kong on Sunday, June 16 woke up to a calm morning before anti-extradition law protesters take to the street once again to convey their stance against the controversial bill. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protesters: Chief Executive Lam must go

Hong Kong on Sunday (June 16) woke up to a calm morning before anti-extradition law protesters take to the street once again to convey their stance against the controversial bill.

Hong Kong | The Extradition bill | The march of mass protest and anger

Hong Kong's embattled leader on Saturday suspended a hugely divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China in a major climbdown following unprecedented unrest, but protesters vowed to press ahead with a mass Sunday rally.

The international finance hub was rocked by the worst political violence since its 1997 handover to China on Wednesday as tens of thousands of protesters were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets.

Those clashes came three days after chief executive Carrie Lam refused to be budged by a record-breaking rally in which organisers said more than a million people marched through the streets calling for the Beijing-backed bill to be scrapped.

After days of mounting pressure -- including from her own allies -- Lam relented on Saturday, announcing that work on the bill would be halted.

She set no deadline for its reintroduction but stopped short of saying it was permanently scrapped.&nbsp;

The decision was a rare concession from the city's pro-Beijing leaders who have successfully faced down demands from pro-democracy demonstrators in recent years.

But opponents were unmoved and said they would go ahead with a march on Sunday afternoon, hoping another huge turnout will pile more pressure on the city's beleaguered leader.

'Pull out the knife'

Protest leaders called for Lam to step down and said they would only be mollified by a permanent cancellation of the extradition law.

They also demanded police drop rioting charges against protesters and for authorities to apologise for using "excessive force", accusation officers deny.

Jimmy Sham, from the main protest group the Civil Human Rights Front, likened the extradition bill to a "knife" that had been plunged into the city.&nbsp;

"It's almost reached our heart. Now the government said they won't push it, but they also refuse to pull it out," he added.

Lam -- who are appointed by a committee stacked with Beijing loyalists -- said she had no plans to resign. She defended the need to overhaul the city's extradition laws and said she retained the support of China's central government.&nbsp;

But she admitted her team had misjudged the public mood.

"I feel deep sorrow and regret that the deficiencies in our work and various other factors have stirred up substantial controversies and disputes in society following the relatively calm periods of the past two years," she said.

The unprecedented chaos in Hong Kong came at a sensitive time for China, already on edge over the 30th anniversary of the deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown.

"We support, respect and understand this decision," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement.

Temporary Truce

Political analyst Dixon Sing said tensions would likely dissipate in the short term if Sunday's rally remains calm.&nbsp;

"In the next few months there will be at least a truce," he told AFP. "But the anxiety that this draft bill will be passed in the future, that will remain for quite some time."

Jason Ng, from the Progressive Lawyers Group, said protesters were incensed by Lam's refusal "to take responsibility for the excessive police force unleashed on protesters and for tearing society asunder."

"This is unlikely to mollify civil society and we are expecting another big turnout at the march tomorrow," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Opposition to the Beijing-backed bill united an unusually wide cross-section of Hong Kong from influential legal and business bodies to religious leaders, western nations and the huge crowds hitting the streets.

Critics feared the law would tangle people up in China's notoriously opaque and politicised courts as well as hammer the city's reputation as a safe business hub.&nbsp;

But the furore was also the latest expression of public anger over fears that an increasingly assertive Beijing is stamping down on the city's freedoms and unique culture.

Under a 1997 deal signed with Britain, China allowed Hong Kong to keep key liberties denied to people on the mainland, like freedom of speech and independent courts, for 50 years.&nbsp;

Yet critics accuse Beijing of reneging on the deal with the complicity of the city's unelected leaders.

They point to the huge 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" that failed to win any concessions, the imprisonment of protest leaders and the banning of some critics from standing for election, as recent examples.&nbsp;

The writing on the wall began to emerge for Lam on Friday when she found herself facing growing calls from within her own political camp to reverse course and tamp down spiralling public anger -- including from hardline pro-Beijing lawmakers.

Beijing had vocally supported the bill and earlier this week threw its full support behind the Lam administration, calling protesters "rioters".

But it has since sought to distance itself, with China's envoy to Britain saying the idea for the bill came entirely from the Lam administration.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's embattled leader on Saturday suspended a hugely divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China in a major climbdown following unprecedented unrest, but protesters vowed to press ahead with a mass Sunday rally.

Hong Kong's embattled leader on Saturday suspended a hugely divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China in a major climbdown following unprecedented unrest, but protesters vowed to press ahead with a mass Sunday rally. The international finance hub was rocked by the worst political violence since its 1997 handover to China on Wednesday as tens of thousands of protesters were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets. Those clashes came three days after chief executive Carrie Lam refused to be budged by a record-breaking rally in which organisers said more than a million people marched through the streets calling for the Beijing-backed bill to be scrapped. After days of mounting pressure -- including from her own allies -- Lam relented on Saturday, announcing that work on the bill would be halted. She set no deadline for its reintroduction but stopped short of saying it was permanently scrapped. The decision was a rare concession from the city's pro-Beijing leaders who have successfully faced down demands from pro-democracy demonstrators in recent years. But opponents were unmoved and said they would go ahead with a march on Sunday afternoon, hoping another huge turnout will pile more pressure on the city's beleaguered leader. 'Pull out the knife' Protest leaders called for Lam to step down and said they would only be mollified by a permanent cancellation of the extradition law. They also demanded police drop rioting charges against protesters and for authorities to apologise for using "excessive force", accusation officers deny. Jimmy Sham, from the main protest group the Civil Human Rights Front, likened the extradition bill to a "knife" that had been plunged into the city. "It's almost reached our heart. Now the government said they won't push it, but they also refuse to pull it out," he added. Lam -- who are appointed by a committee stacked with Beijing loyalists -- said she had no plans to resign. She defended the need to overhaul the city's extradition laws and said she retained the support of China's central government. But she admitted her team had misjudged the public mood. "I feel deep sorrow and regret that the deficiencies in our work and various other factors have stirred up substantial controversies and disputes in society following the relatively calm periods of the past two years," she said. The unprecedented chaos in Hong Kong came at a sensitive time for China, already on edge over the 30th anniversary of the deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown. "We support, respect and understand this decision," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement. Temporary Truce Political analyst Dixon Sing said tensions would likely dissipate in the short term if Sunday's rally remains calm. "In the next few months there will be at least a truce," he told AFP. "But the anxiety that this draft bill will be passed in the future, that will remain for quite some time." Jason Ng, from the Progressive Lawyers Group, said protesters were incensed by Lam's refusal "to take responsibility for the excessive police force unleashed on protesters and for tearing society asunder." "This is unlikely to mollify civil society and we are expecting another big turnout at the march tomorrow," he told AFP. Opposition to the Beijing-backed bill united an unusually wide cross-section of Hong Kong from influential legal and business bodies to religious leaders, western nations and the huge crowds hitting the streets. Critics feared the law would tangle people up in China's notoriously opaque and politicised courts as well as hammer the city's reputation as a safe business hub. But the furore was also the latest expression of public anger over fears that an increasingly assertive Beijing is stamping down on the city's freedoms and unique culture. Under a 1997 deal signed with Britain, China allowed Hong Kong to keep key liberties denied to people on the mainland, like freedom of speech and independent courts, for 50 years. Yet critics accuse Beijing of reneging on the deal with the complicity of the city's unelected leaders. They point to the huge 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" that failed to win any concessions, the imprisonment of protest leaders and the banning of some critics from standing for election, as recent examples. The writing on the wall began to emerge for Lam on Friday when she found herself facing growing calls from within her own political camp to reverse course and tamp down spiralling public anger -- including from hardline pro-Beijing lawmakers. Beijing had vocally supported the bill and earlier this week threw its full support behind the Lam administration, calling protesters "rioters". But it has since sought to distance itself, with China's envoy to Britain saying the idea for the bill came entirely from the Lam administration.

Hong Kong leader halts extradition bill but opponents vow fresh rally

The Hong Kong government's move to allow extraditions to mainland China had&nbsp;sparked the biggest demonstrations since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

Under the handover deal, Hong Kong benefits from a "One Country, Two Systems" policy that allows it to retain certain key liberties, such as freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, until 2047.

A push for democratic reforms saw unprecedented street protests in 2014, with demands for change reignited in February this year, leading to the worst political violence in the financial hub since 1997.

Here is an overview.

- 2003: National security law -

Some half a million people marched against a controversial attempt by the government to introduce a national security law that critics feared would hammer free speech.&nbsp;

The bill, which came after a deadly outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, was the first mass demonstration movement the city's pro-Beijing leaders had faced since the 1997 handover.

It was eventually shelved and set in process the resignation of then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa.

- 2012: Education protests -

Tens of thousands of predominantly young demonstrators, many of them school children, surrounded the city government's complex for 10 days.&nbsp;

The target of their ire was a government order for schools to teach "Moral and National Education" classes that praised China's communist and nationalist history while criticising republicanism and democracy movements.&nbsp;

The government abandoned the curriculum and some of the protest leaders, such as then 15-year-old Joshua Wong, went on to become leading democracy advocates.

- 2014: Umbrella Movement -

For two months in late 2014 tens of thousands of protesters paralysed parts of the city with mass student-led demonstrations and sit-ins to demand democratic reforms such as the right to elect the city's leader.

There were clashes and scenes of violence, until then rare in the semi-autonomous territory, as police used pepper spray and tear gas to break up the demonstrations.

It becomes known as the Umbrella Movement after some demonstrators used umbrellas to protect themselves.

Police dismantled the main pro-democracy site in December, hauling off a hard core of protesters who vowed that their struggle would live on.&nbsp;

But the movement failed to win any concessions and many of its leaders are now in prison.&nbsp;

- 2019: Extradition anger -

In February 2019 Hong Kong's government announced plans for a bill that would allow, for the first time, extraditions to mainland China.

The move was prompted by a murder but the opposition and lawyers fear such a law would tighten Beijing's grip on civil society and allow it to pursue its political enemies in Hong Kong.

Tens of thousands of people hit Hong Kong's streets in protest on April 28 in one of the biggest demonstrations since the Umbrella Movement.

It came just days after four prominent democratic leaders were jailed for their role in organising the 2014 protests.

Hong Kong's government made concessions on May 30, saying the extradition law would only apply to cases involving a potential jail term of at least seven years.

Britain and Canada raised concerns that expatriates living and working in Hong Kong, an international business hub, could also face extradition.

- Protests grow -

On June 4, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers, fearful for their own liberties, commemorated 30 years since China's bloody Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;

Such commemorations are not allowed in mainland China.

Two days later, thousands of Hong Kong lawyers marched in silence against the draft extradition law.

On June 9, more than one million people, according to organisers, took to the streets for seven hours in the biggest demonstration by far since the return to Chinese rule.&nbsp;

The police, who made 19 arrests, put the turnout at 240,000.

On June 12, a scheduled second reading of the controversial bill was delayed after huge crowds rally, blocking major roads and attempting to storm parliament.

Police used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and bean bag rounds -- small fabric bags filled with lead pellets -- on the demonstrators, most of them young people and students.

They were the worst clashes since the 1997 handover, leaving nearly 80 people injured, two in a serious condition.

More than 100 businesses and shops had shut down in support of the movement.

Beijing described the protests as "riots", and said it supports the local government's response.

The Hong Kong government's move to allow extraditions to mainland China had sparked the biggest demonstrations since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

The Hong Kong government's move to allow extraditions to mainland China had sparked the biggest demonstrations since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997. Under the handover deal, Hong Kong benefits from a "One Country, Two Systems" policy that allows it to retain certain key liberties, such as freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, until 2047. A push for democratic reforms saw unprecedented street protests in 2014, with demands for change reignited in February this year, leading to the worst political violence in the financial hub since 1997. Here is an overview. - 2003: National security law - Some half a million people marched against a controversial attempt by the government to introduce a national security law that critics feared would hammer free speech. The bill, which came after a deadly outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, was the first mass demonstration movement the city's pro-Beijing leaders had faced since the 1997 handover. It was eventually shelved and set in process the resignation of then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa. - 2012: Education protests - Tens of thousands of predominantly young demonstrators, many of them school children, surrounded the city government's complex for 10 days. The target of their ire was a government order for schools to teach "Moral and National Education" classes that praised China's communist and nationalist history while criticising republicanism and democracy movements. The government abandoned the curriculum and some of the protest leaders, such as then 15-year-old Joshua Wong, went on to become leading democracy advocates. - 2014: Umbrella Movement - For two months in late 2014 tens of thousands of protesters paralysed parts of the city with mass student-led demonstrations and sit-ins to demand democratic reforms such as the right to elect the city's leader. There were clashes and scenes of violence, until then rare in the semi-autonomous territory, as police used pepper spray and tear gas to break up the demonstrations. It becomes known as the Umbrella Movement after some demonstrators used umbrellas to protect themselves. Police dismantled the main pro-democracy site in December, hauling off a hard core of protesters who vowed that their struggle would live on. But the movement failed to win any concessions and many of its leaders are now in prison. - 2019: Extradition anger - In February 2019 Hong Kong's government announced plans for a bill that would allow, for the first time, extraditions to mainland China. The move was prompted by a murder but the opposition and lawyers fear such a law would tighten Beijing's grip on civil society and allow it to pursue its political enemies in Hong Kong. Tens of thousands of people hit Hong Kong's streets in protest on April 28 in one of the biggest demonstrations since the Umbrella Movement. It came just days after four prominent democratic leaders were jailed for their role in organising the 2014 protests. Hong Kong's government made concessions on May 30, saying the extradition law would only apply to cases involving a potential jail term of at least seven years. Britain and Canada raised concerns that expatriates living and working in Hong Kong, an international business hub, could also face extradition. - Protests grow - On June 4, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers, fearful for their own liberties, commemorated 30 years since China's bloody Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Such commemorations are not allowed in mainland China. Two days later, thousands of Hong Kong lawyers marched in silence against the draft extradition law. On June 9, more than one million people, according to organisers, took to the streets for seven hours in the biggest demonstration by far since the return to Chinese rule. The police, who made 19 arrests, put the turnout at 240,000. On June 12, a scheduled second reading of the controversial bill was delayed after huge crowds rally, blocking major roads and attempting to storm parliament. Police used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and bean bag rounds -- small fabric bags filled with lead pellets -- on the demonstrators, most of them young people and students. They were the worst clashes since the 1997 handover, leaving nearly 80 people injured, two in a serious condition. More than 100 businesses and shops had shut down in support of the movement. Beijing described the protests as "riots", and said it supports the local government's response.

High points of Hong Kong's huge protests

Police fire tear gas from above as protesters gather in Hong Kong Protesters in Hong Kong can be seen retreating from Harcourt Road while police stand guard on a distant overpass while firing tear gas into the crowd today (June 12). The filmer said the police were discharging tear gas "every two to five minutes."

Police fire tear gas from above as protesters gather in Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-extradition-clashes-hong-kong-chief-executive-calls-protests-organised-riots-226609">Protests in Hong Kong </a>over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-use-tear-gas-as-protesters-try-to-storm-parliament-226502">Hong Kong riot police</a> and protesters braced for possible further clashes on Thursday after a day of violence over the extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray in a series of skirmishes to clear demonstrators from around the city`s legislature. It was some of the worst violence in Hong Kong since Britain handed it back to Chinese rule in 1997.&nbsp;

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority said 72 people had been hospitalised by 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

The English-language China Daily said the new amendments were in line with international conventions but "the opposition camp and its foreign masters seem willing to oppose it for their own purposes at the expense of the city`s rule of law, public safety and justice."

"It is lawlessness that will hurt Hong Kong, not the proposed amendments to its fugitive law," it said.

Watch: Hong Kong Descends Into Violent Chaos

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The state-owned tabloid The Global Times blamed "radical opposition forces" and "the Western forces behind them" for hyping up and politicizing the amendments.

"Playing with uncontrolled street politics is to push Hong Kong to backwardness and disturbance," it said. "This is not a wise direction for Hong Kong."

Hong Kong has been rocked by three nights of violence since a protest on Sunday drew what organisers said was more than a million people.

Protests in Hong Kong over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday.

Protests in Hong Kong over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday. Hong Kong riot police and protesters braced for possible further clashes on Thursday after a day of violence over the extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial. Police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray in a series of skirmishes to clear demonstrators from around the city`s legislature. It was some of the worst violence in Hong Kong since Britain handed it back to Chinese rule in 1997. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority said 72 people had been hospitalised by 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The English-language China Daily said the new amendments were in line with international conventions but "the opposition camp and its foreign masters seem willing to oppose it for their own purposes at the expense of the city`s rule of law, public safety and justice." "It is lawlessness that will hurt Hong Kong, not the proposed amendments to its fugitive law," it said. Watch: Hong Kong Descends Into Violent Chaos × The state-owned tabloid The Global Times blamed "radical opposition forces" and "the Western forces behind them" for hyping up and politicizing the amendments. "Playing with uncontrolled street politics is to push Hong Kong to backwardness and disturbance," it said. "This is not a wise direction for Hong Kong." Hong Kong has been rocked by three nights of violence since a protest on Sunday drew what organisers said was more than a million people.

China state media blames Hong Kong protests on 'lawlessness'

Thousands of protesters blocked entry to Hong Kong's government headquarters Wednesday, delaying a legislative session on a proposed extradition bill that has heightened fears over greater Chinese control and erosion of civil liberties in the semi-autonomous territory.

Hong Kong government asks protesters to leave

Beijing on Tuesday slammed what it called "irresponsible and erroneous comments" by Washington about a proposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-businesses-pledge-closures-as-extradition-anger-builds-226173">Hong Kong law</a> that would allow extraditions to mainland China after the United States expressed concerns about the legislation.

"We demand that the US side... be cautious and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-backs-hong-kong-extradition-law-opposes-foreign-interference-225947">China's internal affairs</a> in any form," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing.

Earlier in the day, US State Department spokesperson&nbsp;Morgan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/changes-in-fugitive-offenders-ordinance-could-undermine-hong-kongs-autonomy-us-226098">Ortagus in media briefing expressed "grave concern"</a> about the Hong Kong government’s proposed amendments to its fugitive offenders ordinance. 
&nbsp; 
She said a peaceful demonstration on Sunday by hundreds of thousands of people in Hong Kong "clearly shows the public’s opposition to the proposed amendments."

"The United States shares the concern of many in Hong Kong that the lack of procedural protection in the proposed amendments could undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and negatively impact the territory’s longstanding protections of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic values," she said.

Ortagus said the United States was concerned that the amendments could damage Hong Kong’s business environment "and subject our citizens residing in or visiting Hong Kong to China’s capricious judicial system."

Watch: Hong Kong's largest protest since 1997

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"Any amendments to the fugitive offenders ordinance should be pursued with great care and in full consultation with a broad range of local and international stakeholders who may be affected by the amendments," she said.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam vowed on Monday to push ahead with the amendments despite the city's biggest protest since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

Britain handed Hong Kong back to China under a "one country, two systems" formula with guarantees that its autonomy and freedoms, including an independent justice system, would be protected.

But many accuse China of extensive meddling in many sectors, denying democratic reforms and squeezing freedoms.

Beijing on Tuesday slammed what it called "irresponsible and erroneous comments" by Washington about a proposed Hong Kong law that would allow extraditions to mainland China after the United States expressed concerns about the legislation.

Beijing on Tuesday slammed what it called "irresponsible and erroneous comments" by Washington about a proposed Hong Kong law that would allow extraditions to mainland China after the United States expressed concerns about the legislation. "We demand that the US side... be cautious and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. Earlier in the day, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus in media briefing expressed "grave concern" about the Hong Kong government’s proposed amendments to its fugitive offenders ordinance. She said a peaceful demonstration on Sunday by hundreds of thousands of people in Hong Kong "clearly shows the public’s opposition to the proposed amendments." "The United States shares the concern of many in Hong Kong that the lack of procedural protection in the proposed amendments could undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy and negatively impact the territory’s longstanding protections of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic values," she said. Ortagus said the United States was concerned that the amendments could damage Hong Kong’s business environment "and subject our citizens residing in or visiting Hong Kong to China’s capricious judicial system." Watch: Hong Kong's largest protest since 1997 × "Any amendments to the fugitive offenders ordinance should be pursued with great care and in full consultation with a broad range of local and international stakeholders who may be affected by the amendments," she said. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam vowed on Monday to push ahead with the amendments despite the city's biggest protest since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Britain handed Hong Kong back to China under a "one country, two systems" formula with guarantees that its autonomy and freedoms, including an independent justice system, would be protected. But many accuse China of extensive meddling in many sectors, denying democratic reforms and squeezing freedoms.

China demands US 'stop interfering' in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-not-receive-any-instruction-from-china-on-extradition-bill-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-225837">refused to scrap a controversial plan to allow extraditions</a> to the Chinese mainland, a day after record crowds came out to oppose the proposal.

Striking a defiant tone after the city's largest protest since the 1997 handover, chief executive Carrie Lam said the legislature would debate the bill on Wednesday as planned, rejecting calls to delay or withdraw the law.&nbsp;

The decision sets her administration on a collision course with opponents who decried her stance and called on supporters to rally outside parliament on Wednesday or hold strikes.&nbsp;

In pictures: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-a-million-marching-in-hong-kong-225756">Why a million marching in Hong Kong?</a>

"She's really pushing Hong Kong towards the brink of a precipice," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told reporters.

Sunday saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-forces-opposition-creating-havoc-in-hong-kong-china-daily-225827">huge crowds march in blazing summer heat</a> through the streets of the financial hub's main island in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law.

Organisers said as many as a million people turned out -- the largest protest in three decades and the biggest by far since the city's return to Chinese rule.

Lam's government is pushing a bill through the legislature that would allow extraditions to any jurisdiction with which it does not already have a treaty -- including mainland China.

Authorities say it is needed to plug loopholes and to stop the city being a bolthole for fugitives.

But the proposals have birthed an opposition that unites a wide cross-section of the city, with critics fearing the law will entangle people in China's opaque and politicised courts.

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Incredulous response

In her first comments since the mass rallies, Lam pushed back against calls to delay the law and said the huge rallies were proof Hong Kong's freedom of speech was still protected.

She said her administration had already made major concessions to ensure political cases would not be considered and that human rights safeguards met international standards.

"We have been listening and listening very attentively," she said.

But her words drew an incredulous response from opponents who accused her of ignoring massive public opposition.&nbsp;

"Yesterday 1.03 million of us marched and the government is still indifferent, turning a deaf ear to the people. This government has become a dictatorship," lawmaker Ip Kin-yuen told reporters.

Political analyst Dixon Sing warned Lam could be facing "political suicide" if she pushed for a showdown after such huge demonstrations.&nbsp;

"In the short run, the Hong Kong government led by Carrie Lam will suffer a worsening legitimacy crisis," he told AFP. "Fewer and fewer people will trust her and the entire cabinet."

But he said much would rest on whether the public comes out to back further protests or strikes.&nbsp;

Sunday's huge rally passed without incident until shortly after midnight when small pockets of protesters fought running battles with police in chaotic and violent scenes.

Nineteen people were arrested, police said, mostly young men in their early twenties.

Hong Kong authorities said they believed the violence at the end of the largely peaceful protests was planned by organised groups.

"It’s easy to tell they are organised, premeditated, prepared, radical and violent people," said Li Kwai-wah, senior superintendent of the Organized Crime And Triad Bureau.

There was a heavy police presence outside parliament on Monday as officials moved twisted remains of barricades and debris left by the skirmishes the night before.

Years of tumult

Hong Kong has been convulsed by political unrest in recent years as fears soar that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the international financial hub's unique freedoms and culture.

Under the 50-year handover deal with the British, China agreed to a "one country, two systems" model where Hong Kong would keep freedom of speech and assembly rights that are unheard of on the authoritarian mainland.

But many locals believe Beijing is now reneging on that deal, aided by the city's loyalist local government, especially since Xi Jinping became China's leader.

In 2014 mass democracy protests calling for the right to directly elect Hong Kong's leader paralysed parts of the city for more than two months with frequent clashes between police and demonstrators.

Two years later violent clashes broke out in the crowded district of Mongkok when police tried to close down unlicensed street vendors. Key protest leaders have since been jailed or barred from politics.

Many young Hong Kongers have hardened their attitudes towards China after failing to win any concessions since the 2014 protests and the violence after Sunday's rally fits a now familiar pattern.

China on Monday strongly backed the Hong Kong government and voiced opposition to "outside interference".

Beijing "will continue to firmly support" the Hong Kong administration, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding that the government will "firmly oppose any outside interference in the legislative affairs" of the city.

In an editorial, Beijing's state-run China Daily called the law a "sensible, legitimate" piece of legislation, and said "some Hong Kong residents have been hoodwinked by the opposition camp and their foreign allies into supporting the anti-extradition campaign".

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader on Monday refused to scrap a controversial plan to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland, a day after record crowds came out to oppose the proposal.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader on Monday refused to scrap a controversial plan to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland, a day after record crowds came out to oppose the proposal. Striking a defiant tone after the city's largest protest since the 1997 handover, chief executive Carrie Lam said the legislature would debate the bill on Wednesday as planned, rejecting calls to delay or withdraw the law. The decision sets her administration on a collision course with opponents who decried her stance and called on supporters to rally outside parliament on Wednesday or hold strikes. In pictures: Why a million marching in Hong Kong? "She's really pushing Hong Kong towards the brink of a precipice," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told reporters. Sunday saw huge crowds march in blazing summer heat through the streets of the financial hub's main island in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law. Organisers said as many as a million people turned out -- the largest protest in three decades and the biggest by far since the city's return to Chinese rule. Lam's government is pushing a bill through the legislature that would allow extraditions to any jurisdiction with which it does not already have a treaty -- including mainland China. Authorities say it is needed to plug loopholes and to stop the city being a bolthole for fugitives. But the proposals have birthed an opposition that unites a wide cross-section of the city, with critics fearing the law will entangle people in China's opaque and politicised courts. × Incredulous response In her first comments since the mass rallies, Lam pushed back against calls to delay the law and said the huge rallies were proof Hong Kong's freedom of speech was still protected. She said her administration had already made major concessions to ensure political cases would not be considered and that human rights safeguards met international standards. "We have been listening and listening very attentively," she said. But her words drew an incredulous response from opponents who accused her of ignoring massive public opposition. "Yesterday 1.03 million of us marched and the government is still indifferent, turning a deaf ear to the people. This government has become a dictatorship," lawmaker Ip Kin-yuen told reporters. Political analyst Dixon Sing warned Lam could be facing "political suicide" if she pushed for a showdown after such huge demonstrations. "In the short run, the Hong Kong government led by Carrie Lam will suffer a worsening legitimacy crisis," he told AFP. "Fewer and fewer people will trust her and the entire cabinet." But he said much would rest on whether the public comes out to back further protests or strikes. Sunday's huge rally passed without incident until shortly after midnight when small pockets of protesters fought running battles with police in chaotic and violent scenes. Nineteen people were arrested, police said, mostly young men in their early twenties. Hong Kong authorities said they believed the violence at the end of the largely peaceful protests was planned by organised groups. "It’s easy to tell they are organised, premeditated, prepared, radical and violent people," said Li Kwai-wah, senior superintendent of the Organized Crime And Triad Bureau. There was a heavy police presence outside parliament on Monday as officials moved twisted remains of barricades and debris left by the skirmishes the night before. Years of tumult Hong Kong has been convulsed by political unrest in recent years as fears soar that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the international financial hub's unique freedoms and culture. Under the 50-year handover deal with the British, China agreed to a "one country, two systems" model where Hong Kong would keep freedom of speech and assembly rights that are unheard of on the authoritarian mainland. But many locals believe Beijing is now reneging on that deal, aided by the city's loyalist local government, especially since Xi Jinping became China's leader. In 2014 mass democracy protests calling for the right to directly elect Hong Kong's leader paralysed parts of the city for more than two months with frequent clashes between police and demonstrators. Two years later violent clashes broke out in the crowded district of Mongkok when police tried to close down unlicensed street vendors. Key protest leaders have since been jailed or barred from politics. Many young Hong Kongers have hardened their attitudes towards China after failing to win any concessions since the 2014 protests and the violence after Sunday's rally fits a now familiar pattern. China on Monday strongly backed the Hong Kong government and voiced opposition to "outside interference". Beijing "will continue to firmly support" the Hong Kong administration, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding that the government will "firmly oppose any outside interference in the legislative affairs" of the city. In an editorial, Beijing's state-run China Daily called the law a "sensible, legitimate" piece of legislation, and said "some Hong Kong residents have been hoodwinked by the opposition camp and their foreign allies into supporting the anti-extradition campaign".

'Government has become dictatorship,' Hong Kong protestors call on supporters to rally outside parliament

Police fought with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/million-march-huge-hong-kong-protest-against-china-extradition-law-225733">protesters in Hong Kong </a>early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China.

Protesters hurled bottles and used metal barricades as police moved in on a small group who had vowed to stay outside the legislature overnight, an AFP reporter on the scene said.

At least one police officer could be seen with blood streaming down his face.

The melees began shortly after midnight following a day that had seen a huge peaceful protest make its way through the city without incident.&nbsp;

Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island on Sunday in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law.

Small groups of young protesters had planned to stay outside the city's legislature until Wednesday when the extradition bill is due to have its second reading.

But police moved in on them after their permission to protest expired at midnight.&nbsp;

Within minutes scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters fought with officers who were soon backed by riot police.

Live television images showed officers deploying pepper spray hoses to push the crowds back.&nbsp;

The scenes were reminiscent of 2014 when police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators outside the same building, sparking public anger and setting off two months of demonstrations that took over key intersections of the international finance hub.

Police fought with protesters in Hong Kong early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China.

Police fought with protesters in Hong Kong early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China. Protesters hurled bottles and used metal barricades as police moved in on a small group who had vowed to stay outside the legislature overnight, an AFP reporter on the scene said. At least one police officer could be seen with blood streaming down his face. The melees began shortly after midnight following a day that had seen a huge peaceful protest make its way through the city without incident. Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island on Sunday in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law. Small groups of young protesters had planned to stay outside the city's legislature until Wednesday when the extradition bill is due to have its second reading. But police moved in on them after their permission to protest expired at midnight. Within minutes scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters fought with officers who were soon backed by riot police. Live television images showed officers deploying pepper spray hoses to push the crowds back. The scenes were reminiscent of 2014 when police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators outside the same building, sparking public anger and setting off two months of demonstrations that took over key intersections of the international finance hub.

Violence breaks out as police try to clear Hong Kong protesters

Why a million marching in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong witnessed the largest protest since its 1997 handover to China on Sunday as huge crowds massed against plans to allow extraditions to the mainland, a proposal that has plunged the city's pro-Beijing leaders into a crisis.

Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law.

The demonstration was by far the biggest the international finance hub has experienced since it was returned to China by Britain -- beaten only by a 1.5 million-strong demonstration during colonial rule in 1989 supporting the Tiananmen protesters.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders are pushing a bill through the legislature that would allow extraditions to any jurisdiction with which it does not already have a treaty -- including mainland China.

But the proposals have sparked an outcry and birthed an opposition that unites a wide cross-section of the city.

"If mainland China can arbitrarily extradite some people to the mainland, it would destroy not only our way of living here in Hong Kong, it would also destroy our economy, because many people would leave this place," protester Tommy Lo told AFP.&nbsp;

For more than six hours on Sunday dense crowds snaked their way through the city chanting "Scrap the evil law!" and "Oppose China extradition!", the lines of white-dressed demonstrators stretching for miles.

"There are 1,030,000 people at today's march," an organiser told crowds outside the city's legislature at the march's end, prompting a cacophony of cheers and applause as new people arrivals continued to join.&nbsp;

Police, who historically give much lower figures than organisers, put the peak crowd size at 240,000 -- still their second highest estimate since handover.&nbsp;

Sunday's protest was easily on par with one in 2003 when an estimated half a million demonstrators forced the government to shelve a deeply unpopular national security law.

Will crowds sway leaders?

But it is unclear if the city's current leadership will be moved.&nbsp;

The city's appointed leader Carrie Lam has staked her political reputation on the bill passing.

Ignoring the protests could fuel anger or even a return to the unrest of 2014 when pro-democracy protesters took over key intersections of the city for two months. Organisers said Sunday they would "upgrade their actions" if the government did not drop the bill. &nbsp;

But backtracking by Lam might embolden opponents and anger Beijing. Several senior Communist Party leaders in China have voiced support for the bill.

Opposition to extradition has come from a wide political and social spectrum.&nbsp;

Lawyers have held sombre marches dressed in black, anonymous senior judges have given critical media interviews and the city's two main legal groups -- the Law Society and the Bar Association -- have urged a rethink.

Chambers of commerce are also rattled, adding to criticism from the United States, Canada, former colonial power Britain and many European governments.

Hong Kong's leaders say the law is needed to plug loopholes and stop the city being a bolthole for mainland fugitives.

They say dissidents and critics will not be extradited and have urged the bill's quick passage to extradite a Hong Kong man who is wanted in Taiwan for murdering his girlfriend.

But critics fear the law would entangle people in China's opaque and politicised court system and say the government is using the Taiwan case as a Trojan Horse.

The proposed law has been fast-tracked through the city's government-dominated legislature and on Wednesday it will receive its second reading, with plans to have the law on the statute books by late July.

Fading trust

In recent weeks Lam's administration has made some key concessions.

They have removed nine economic crimes from a list of extraditable offences and said only offences that carry seven years or more in jail will be considered, up from three. Requests will only be considered from China's top prosecuting authority.

Those steps have received a cautious welcome from some business groups, but others have seized on the concessions as a tacit admission that China's courts are not impartial.

Many protesters on Sunday said they no longer trust the Hong Kong government to stick to promises that critics would never be sent to the mainland.

Suspicion of China was worsened by a series of high profile disappearances of people who later appeared in mainland detention, including a group of dissident publishers and a billionaire who disappeared from a top hotel.

Protester Leo Yuen, who said he worked in the arts sector, described the disappearances as "horrifying".

"You can foresee how easily this would happen again if the bill is passed," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Hong Kong witnessed the largest protest since its 1997 handover to China on Sunday as huge crowds massed against plans to allow extraditions to the mainland, a proposal that has plunged the city's pro-Beijing leaders into a crisis.

Hong Kong witnessed the largest protest since its 1997 handover to China on Sunday as huge crowds massed against plans to allow extraditions to the mainland, a proposal that has plunged the city's pro-Beijing leaders into a crisis. Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law. The demonstration was by far the biggest the international finance hub has experienced since it was returned to China by Britain -- beaten only by a 1.5 million-strong demonstration during colonial rule in 1989 supporting the Tiananmen protesters. Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders are pushing a bill through the legislature that would allow extraditions to any jurisdiction with which it does not already have a treaty -- including mainland China. But the proposals have sparked an outcry and birthed an opposition that unites a wide cross-section of the city. "If mainland China can arbitrarily extradite some people to the mainland, it would destroy not only our way of living here in Hong Kong, it would also destroy our economy, because many people would leave this place," protester Tommy Lo told AFP. For more than six hours on Sunday dense crowds snaked their way through the city chanting "Scrap the evil law!" and "Oppose China extradition!", the lines of white-dressed demonstrators stretching for miles. "There are 1,030,000 people at today's march," an organiser told crowds outside the city's legislature at the march's end, prompting a cacophony of cheers and applause as new people arrivals continued to join. Police, who historically give much lower figures than organisers, put the peak crowd size at 240,000 -- still their second highest estimate since handover. Sunday's protest was easily on par with one in 2003 when an estimated half a million demonstrators forced the government to shelve a deeply unpopular national security law. Will crowds sway leaders? But it is unclear if the city's current leadership will be moved. The city's appointed leader Carrie Lam has staked her political reputation on the bill passing. Ignoring the protests could fuel anger or even a return to the unrest of 2014 when pro-democracy protesters took over key intersections of the city for two months. Organisers said Sunday they would "upgrade their actions" if the government did not drop the bill. But backtracking by Lam might embolden opponents and anger Beijing. Several senior Communist Party leaders in China have voiced support for the bill. Opposition to extradition has come from a wide political and social spectrum. Lawyers have held sombre marches dressed in black, anonymous senior judges have given critical media interviews and the city's two main legal groups -- the Law Society and the Bar Association -- have urged a rethink. Chambers of commerce are also rattled, adding to criticism from the United States, Canada, former colonial power Britain and many European governments. Hong Kong's leaders say the law is needed to plug loopholes and stop the city being a bolthole for mainland fugitives. They say dissidents and critics will not be extradited and have urged the bill's quick passage to extradite a Hong Kong man who is wanted in Taiwan for murdering his girlfriend. But critics fear the law would entangle people in China's opaque and politicised court system and say the government is using the Taiwan case as a Trojan Horse. The proposed law has been fast-tracked through the city's government-dominated legislature and on Wednesday it will receive its second reading, with plans to have the law on the statute books by late July. Fading trust In recent weeks Lam's administration has made some key concessions. They have removed nine economic crimes from a list of extraditable offences and said only offences that carry seven years or more in jail will be considered, up from three. Requests will only be considered from China's top prosecuting authority. Those steps have received a cautious welcome from some business groups, but others have seized on the concessions as a tacit admission that China's courts are not impartial. Many protesters on Sunday said they no longer trust the Hong Kong government to stick to promises that critics would never be sent to the mainland. Suspicion of China was worsened by a series of high profile disappearances of people who later appeared in mainland detention, including a group of dissident publishers and a billionaire who disappeared from a top hotel. Protester Leo Yuen, who said he worked in the arts sector, described the disappearances as "horrifying". "You can foresee how easily this would happen again if the bill is passed," he told AFP.

'Million march': Huge Hong Kong protest against China extradition law

At least half a million people in Hong Kong are expected to brave sweltering heat on Sunday to press the government to scrap a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, organisers of the march said.

A committee of pro-democratic groups has raised turnout estimates and are now eyeing the biggest single-day rally since 2003 when a similar number of protesters forced the government to shelve tighter national security laws.

The march will end at the city's Legislative Council, where debates start on Wednesday into sweeping amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. The extradition bill is due to be passed by the end of the month.

After weeks of growing local and international pressure, the protest is expected to reflect the broad range of opposition to the bill, with many saying they simply cannot trust China's court system or its security apparatus.

The city's independent legal system was guaranteed under laws governing Hong Kong's return from British to Chinese rule 22 years ago, and is seen by the financial hub's business and diplomatic communities as its strong remaining asset amid encroachments from Beijing.

Concerns have spread from the city's democratic and human rights groups to secondary school students, church groups and media lobbies as well as corporate lawyers and pro-establishment business figures, some usually loathe to contradict the government.

For the most recent stories on the extradition debate, click on. For a story explaining the issues, see

Veteran Democratic Party lawmaker James To told Reuters that he believed a big turnout on Sunday could finally sway Hong Kong's embattled government.

"It could really force a severe re-think by the government," he said.

"There is everything to play for...People really sense this is a turning point for Hong Kong."

That concern has mounted despite extensive efforts by Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her senior officials, both in public and private, to insist that adequate safeguards are in place to ensure that anyone facing political and religious persecution or torture would not be extradited.

Similarly, anyone facing a death penalty would not be extradited, but legislative oversight of extradition arrangements has been removed under the bill.

While the chief executive has to sign off on any extradition, court hearings and appeals must first be exhausted and the government has insisted judges will play a key "gatekeeper" role.

Some senior judges have expressed deep-set fears over the changes, however.

The march will cap an intense political week for the city, with an estimated 180,000 people holding a candle-lit vigil on Tuesday to mark 30 years since the Tiananmen Square crackdown and a rare rally by the city's lawyers on Thursday.

It follows an earlier protest by more than 100,000 people in late May.

Commercial lawyer and commentator Kevin Yam said he expected many people who attended the recent rallies would turn out on Sunday.

He said it was the first time since the handover that the government had ignored both the concerns of the international community and the local business community at the same time.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his British and German counterparts have spoken against the bill, while 11 European Union envoys met Carrie Lam to formally protest.

"This is beyond a question of politics at this point, it is about not doing something stupid," Yam said.

At least half a million people in Hong Kong are expected to brave sweltering heat on Sunday to press the government to scrap a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, organisers of the march said.

At least half a million people in Hong Kong are expected to brave sweltering heat on Sunday to press the government to scrap a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, organisers of the march said. A committee of pro-democratic groups has raised turnout estimates and are now eyeing the biggest single-day rally since 2003 when a similar number of protesters forced the government to shelve tighter national security laws. The march will end at the city's Legislative Council, where debates start on Wednesday into sweeping amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. The extradition bill is due to be passed by the end of the month. After weeks of growing local and international pressure, the protest is expected to reflect the broad range of opposition to the bill, with many saying they simply cannot trust China's court system or its security apparatus. The city's independent legal system was guaranteed under laws governing Hong Kong's return from British to Chinese rule 22 years ago, and is seen by the financial hub's business and diplomatic communities as its strong remaining asset amid encroachments from Beijing. Concerns have spread from the city's democratic and human rights groups to secondary school students, church groups and media lobbies as well as corporate lawyers and pro-establishment business figures, some usually loathe to contradict the government. For the most recent stories on the extradition debate, click on. For a story explaining the issues, see Veteran Democratic Party lawmaker James To told Reuters that he believed a big turnout on Sunday could finally sway Hong Kong's embattled government. "It could really force a severe re-think by the government," he said. "There is everything to play for...People really sense this is a turning point for Hong Kong." That concern has mounted despite extensive efforts by Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her senior officials, both in public and private, to insist that adequate safeguards are in place to ensure that anyone facing political and religious persecution or torture would not be extradited. Similarly, anyone facing a death penalty would not be extradited, but legislative oversight of extradition arrangements has been removed under the bill. While the chief executive has to sign off on any extradition, court hearings and appeals must first be exhausted and the government has insisted judges will play a key "gatekeeper" role. Some senior judges have expressed deep-set fears over the changes, however. The march will cap an intense political week for the city, with an estimated 180,000 people holding a candle-lit vigil on Tuesday to mark 30 years since the Tiananmen Square crackdown and a rare rally by the city's lawyers on Thursday. It follows an earlier protest by more than 100,000 people in late May. Commercial lawyer and commentator Kevin Yam said he expected many people who attended the recent rallies would turn out on Sunday. He said it was the first time since the handover that the government had ignored both the concerns of the international community and the local business community at the same time. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his British and German counterparts have spoken against the bill, while 11 European Union envoys met Carrie Lam to formally protest. "This is beyond a question of politics at this point, it is about not doing something stupid," Yam said.

Huge Hong Kong protest expected in last push to scrap extradition bill

Thousands of people marched on Hong Kong's parliament on Sunday to demand the scrapping of proposed extradition rules that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial - a move which some fear puts the city's core freedoms at risk.

Opponents of the proposal fear further erosion of rights and legal protections in the free-wheeling financial hub - freedoms which were guaranteed under the city's handover from British colonial rule to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Early estimates suggested several thousand people had joined the march along Hong Kong Island from Causeway Bay to the council in the Admiralty business district.

Veteran Hong Kong activist and former legislator Leung Kwok-hung said the government's move risked removing Hong Kongers' "freedom from fear".

"Hong Kong people and visitors passing by Hong Kong will lose their right not to be extradited into mainland China," he said. "They would need to face an unjust legal system on the mainland."

Some younger marchers said they were worried about travelling to China after the move, which comes just as the government encourages young people to deepen ties with the mainland and promotes Hong Kong's links with southern China.

The peaceful marchers chanted demands for Hong Kong's Executive Carrie Lam to step down, saying she had "betrayed" Hong Kong. Some sported yellow umbrellas - the symbol of the Occupy civil disobedience movement that paralysed parts of Hong Kong for 11 weeks in 2014.

The proposed changes have sparked an unusually broad chorus of concern from international business elites to lawyers and rights' groups and even some pro-establishment figures.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong who handed the city back to Chinese rule in 1997, on Saturday described the move "as an assault on Hong Kong's values, stability and security", government-funded broadcaster RTHK reported.

Chief Executive Lam and other government officials are standing fast by their proposals, saying they are vital to plug long-standing loopholes.

Under the changes, the Hong Kong leader would have the right to order the extradition of wanted offenders to China, Macau and Taiwan as well as other countries not covered by Hong Kong's existing extradition treaties.

As a safeguard such orders, to be issued case-by-case, could be challenged and appealed through the city's vaunted legal system.

Government officials have said no-one at risk of the death penalty or torture or facing a political charge could be sent from Hong Kong. Under pressure from local business groups, they earlier exempted nine commercial crimes from the new provisions.

The proposals could be passed into law later in the year, with the city's pro-democratic camp no longer holding enough seats to block the move.

The government has justified the swift introduction of the changes by saying they are needed so a young Hong Kong man suspected of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan can be extradited to face charges there.

The government's assurances are not enough for Lam Wing-kee, a former Hong Kong political bookseller who said in 2016 he was abducted by mainland agents in the city.

Lam left Hong Kong for Taiwan last week, saying he feared being sent back to the mainland under the new laws and his experienced showed he could have no trust in China's legal system.

A group of 33 followers of Falun Gong, a religious sect banned in China, flew from Taiwan to Hong Kong on Saturday to join the march but were refused entry to Hong Kong, RTHK reported.

Sunday's march comes amid renewed calls for deeper electoral reforms stalled five years ago after Occupy protests.

Four leaders of the movement were last week sentenced to jail terms ranging from eight to 16 months, part of a group of nine activists found guilty after a near month-long trial.

Thousands of people marched on Hong Kong's parliament on Sunday to demand the scrapping of proposed extradition rules that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial - a move which some fear puts the city's core freedoms at risk.

Thousands of people marched on Hong Kong's parliament on Sunday to demand the scrapping of proposed extradition rules that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial - a move which some fear puts the city's core freedoms at risk. Opponents of the proposal fear further erosion of rights and legal protections in the free-wheeling financial hub - freedoms which were guaranteed under the city's handover from British colonial rule to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Early estimates suggested several thousand people had joined the march along Hong Kong Island from Causeway Bay to the council in the Admiralty business district. Veteran Hong Kong activist and former legislator Leung Kwok-hung said the government's move risked removing Hong Kongers' "freedom from fear". "Hong Kong people and visitors passing by Hong Kong will lose their right not to be extradited into mainland China," he said. "They would need to face an unjust legal system on the mainland." Some younger marchers said they were worried about travelling to China after the move, which comes just as the government encourages young people to deepen ties with the mainland and promotes Hong Kong's links with southern China. The peaceful marchers chanted demands for Hong Kong's Executive Carrie Lam to step down, saying she had "betrayed" Hong Kong. Some sported yellow umbrellas - the symbol of the Occupy civil disobedience movement that paralysed parts of Hong Kong for 11 weeks in 2014. The proposed changes have sparked an unusually broad chorus of concern from international business elites to lawyers and rights' groups and even some pro-establishment figures. Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong who handed the city back to Chinese rule in 1997, on Saturday described the move "as an assault on Hong Kong's values, stability and security", government-funded broadcaster RTHK reported. Chief Executive Lam and other government officials are standing fast by their proposals, saying they are vital to plug long-standing loopholes. Under the changes, the Hong Kong leader would have the right to order the extradition of wanted offenders to China, Macau and Taiwan as well as other countries not covered by Hong Kong's existing extradition treaties. As a safeguard such orders, to be issued case-by-case, could be challenged and appealed through the city's vaunted legal system. Government officials have said no-one at risk of the death penalty or torture or facing a political charge could be sent from Hong Kong. Under pressure from local business groups, they earlier exempted nine commercial crimes from the new provisions. The proposals could be passed into law later in the year, with the city's pro-democratic camp no longer holding enough seats to block the move. The government has justified the swift introduction of the changes by saying they are needed so a young Hong Kong man suspected of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan can be extradited to face charges there. The government's assurances are not enough for Lam Wing-kee, a former Hong Kong political bookseller who said in 2016 he was abducted by mainland agents in the city. Lam left Hong Kong for Taiwan last week, saying he feared being sent back to the mainland under the new laws and his experienced showed he could have no trust in China's legal system. A group of 33 followers of Falun Gong, a religious sect banned in China, flew from Taiwan to Hong Kong on Saturday to join the march but were refused entry to Hong Kong, RTHK reported. Sunday's march comes amid renewed calls for deeper electoral reforms stalled five years ago after Occupy protests. Four leaders of the movement were last week sentenced to jail terms ranging from eight to 16 months, part of a group of nine activists found guilty after a near month-long trial.

Thousands take to Hong Kong streets to protest new extradition laws

Angry protesters gathered in Hong Kong on Friday after a city bookseller broke silence to reveal how he was blindfolded, interrogated and detained in China for eight months for trading titles critical of Beijing. 
 
In a surprise interview sure to infuriate Beijing, Lam Wing-kee late on Thursday vowed to break bail, refusing to return to the mainland, and further defied Chinese authorities by blowing the lid on how he was detained on a visit to China and interrogated for months with no access to a lawyer or his family. 
 
Lam Wing-kee is one of five booksellers who published salacious titles about leading Chinese politicians and disappeared at the end of last year in a case that drew international condemnation and heightened fears that Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong. 
 
All of the men resurfaced in mainland China where four of them, including Lam, are under investigation for importing banned books into China.&nbsp; 
 
Lam returned to Hong Kong on Tuesday on bail and was due to go back on Thursday but instead decided to remain and tell his story. 
 
Around 40 protesters from pro-democracy party Demosisto gathered outside China&#39;s liaison office in Hong Kong on Friday shouting &quot;Defend the freedoms of Hong Kongers!&quot; 
 
&quot;We hope the world can put pressure on the government to release all of them (the booksellers),&quot; said activist Nathan Law who was leading the rally along with high-profile campaigner Joshua Wong.&nbsp; 
 
Wong called Lam a hero. 
 
&quot;Lam is the role model for Hong Kong people - facing the suppression of the communist regime,&quot; Wong said. 
 
Demosisto is a newly formed party calling for self-determination for semi-autonomous Hong Kong, part of a growing movement of young campaigners, seeking more autonomy from Beijing amid fears of disappearing freedoms. 
 
Other political groups are due to protest outside the liaison office throughout the day.&nbsp; 
 
Rights group Amnesty International slammed China&#39;s treatment of the booksellers, saying Lam had confirmed what many had suspected. 
 
&quot;It seems clear he, and most likely the others, were arbitrarily detained, ill-treated and forced to confess,&quot; said Mabel Au, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong. 
 
Lam told how his confession televised by Chinese state media in February was scripted and directed, and that he recited it out of fear of what would happen to him. 
 
Two more booksellers, Cheung Chi-ping and Lui Por returned to Hong Kong in March on bail, but are reported to have quickly gone back to the mainland. 
 
Their colleague Lee Bo, who says he went to China of his own free will and is helping mainland authorities with their inquiries, returned to Hong Kong for the first time in March but also then quickly went back. 
 
Lee&#39;s case caused the most outcry because he was the only bookseller who disappeared on Hong Kong soil, prompting allegations that Chinese enforcement agents were operating illegally in the city.&nbsp; 
 
Lam said Lee had told him he was taken to the mainland against his will.&nbsp; 
 
The fifth man, Swedish citizen Gui Minhai, remains in detention. 
(AFP)

Lam Wing-kee in an interview on Thursday vowed to break bail and refused to return to the mainland

Angry protesters gathered in Hong Kong on Friday after a city bookseller broke silence to reveal how he was blindfolded, interrogated and detained in China for eight months for trading titles critical of Beijing. In a surprise interview sure to infuriate Beijing, Lam Wing-kee late on Thursday vowed to break bail, refusing to return to the mainland, and further defied Chinese authorities by blowing the lid on how he was detained on a visit to China and interrogated for months with no access to a lawyer or his family. Lam Wing-kee is one of five booksellers who published salacious titles about leading Chinese politicians and disappeared at the end of last year in a case that drew international condemnation and heightened fears that Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong. All of the men resurfaced in mainland China where four of them, including Lam, are under investigation for importing banned books into China. Lam returned to Hong Kong on Tuesday on bail and was due to go back on Thursday but instead decided to remain and tell his story. Around 40 protesters from pro-democracy party Demosisto gathered outside China's liaison office in Hong Kong on Friday shouting "Defend the freedoms of Hong Kongers!" "We hope the world can put pressure on the government to release all of them (the booksellers)," said activist Nathan Law who was leading the rally along with high-profile campaigner Joshua Wong. Wong called Lam a hero. "Lam is the role model for Hong Kong people - facing the suppression of the communist regime," Wong said. Demosisto is a newly formed party calling for self-determination for semi-autonomous Hong Kong, part of a growing movement of young campaigners, seeking more autonomy from Beijing amid fears of disappearing freedoms. Other political groups are due to protest outside the liaison office throughout the day. Rights group Amnesty International slammed China's treatment of the booksellers, saying Lam had confirmed what many had suspected. "It seems clear he, and most likely the others, were arbitrarily detained, ill-treated and forced to confess," said Mabel Au, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong. Lam told how his confession televised by Chinese state media in February was scripted and directed, and that he recited it out of fear of what would happen to him. Two more booksellers, Cheung Chi-ping and Lui Por returned to Hong Kong in March on bail, but are reported to have quickly gone back to the mainland. Their colleague Lee Bo, who says he went to China of his own free will and is helping mainland authorities with their inquiries, returned to Hong Kong for the first time in March but also then quickly went back. Lee's case caused the most outcry because he was the only bookseller who disappeared on Hong Kong soil, prompting allegations that Chinese enforcement agents were operating illegally in the city. Lam said Lee had told him he was taken to the mainland against his will. The fifth man, Swedish citizen Gui Minhai, remains in detention. (AFP)

Protests in Hong Kong over bookseller detention in China

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