Hong Kong’s government met Wednesday afternoon amid speculation that leader Carrie Lam will formally withdraw an extradition bill as protesters have demanded. Local broadcaster TVB said television stations had been told to be on standby to air a pre-recorded announcement by Lam at 6 p.m. (1000 GMT).
The bill allowing Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials sparked massive protests that have rocked the city since June. Lam has suspended the bill, but protesters want it entirely withdrawn. They also want democratic reforms to Hong Kong’s government and an independent inquiry into police actions against protesters. Pro-government lawmaker Michael Tien confirmed he was notified on Tuesday of the meeting, which included members of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
“Rumor is that she will announce the complete withdrawal of the bill,” Tien said by phone, but added that it is unlikely to change public sentiment.
The bill allowing Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials sparked massive protests that have rocked the city since June. Lam has suspended the bill, but protesters want it entirely withdrawn. They also want democratic reforms to Hong Kong’s government and an independent inquiry into police actions against protesters. Pro-government lawmaker Michael Tien confirmed he was notified on Tuesday of the meeting, which included members of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
“Rumor is that she will announce the complete withdrawal of the bill,” Tien said by phone, but added that it is unlikely to change public sentiment.
