Hong Kong Activists Renew Protest Against Extradition Bill

Last Monday, Hong Kong activists renewed protests against a proposed extradition bill that would allow criminal suspects to stand trial in mainland Chinese courts, under control of the Communist party. Organized by the Civil Human Rights Front, these demonstrators have been filling streets and lobbies of government offices opposing the legislation.

According to Reuters, over the past couple of months millions of people took to the streets to protest against the extradition bill. These protests were some of the largest in Hong Kong history. In response, Chief Executive Carrie Lam postponed the proposed legislation on June 8, saying that she heard the activists “loud and clear.” However, protesters are not satisfied, calling for formal withdrawal of the bill. They also demand the government releases activists arrested during the rallies and to stop referring to the demonstrations as ‘riots’, a label that could lead to heavier jail sentences.

Critics are worried that the new law will be able to target political dissidents in Hong Kong. According to the New York Times, the proposed extradition bill applies to 37 crimes but excludes political ones, however activists fear that passing the plan would legalize abductions by the Chinese government to the mainland. Human rights groups also cite China’s alleged use of torture, arbitrary detentions, forced confessions, and problems with lawyers as reasons to oppose the bill, while China denies these purported infringements of human rights.

After Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule from Britain in 1997, it has been governed under a “one country, two systems” policy, allowing Hong Kong to enjoy certain freedoms restricted from the mainland, such as the freedom of assembly, open internet, and an independent judiciary. Yet according to the New York Times, that autonomy is guaranteed under a constitution set to expire in 2047.

Recent pushback against the bill reveals Hong Kong’s refusal to submit to mainland authority and their desire to maintain autonomy. Under President Xi Jinping, China has been tightening its grip on Hong Kong. Passing the new extradition law would increase its already growing influence on the city.

Protesters are calling upon support from the broader international community as well. “Without the trade war chaos and the G-20 summit, would Carrie Lam have announced the suspension?” said Joshua Wong, a prominent youth activist and politician. With the autonomy of Hong Kong at stake, other governments should understand the significance of this bill and act accordingly. Already, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has called for an independent investigation of police violence, including the use of rubber bullets and tear gas. On Tuesday, he stated that the government would not issue licenses for crowd control equipment to Hong Kong “unless we are satisfied that concerns raised on human rights and fundamental freedoms have been thoroughly addressed,” according to Reuters.

On the following Wednesday, another demonstration took place to raise awareness among leaders attending the Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan from June 28 to June 29. This came after Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun firmly stated China’s objection to bringing up Hong Kong at the summit. “What I can tell you for sure is that G20 will not discuss the Hong Kong issue. Under no circumstance would we allow any country or individual to intervene in Chinese internal politics,” Zhang said on Monday.

China’s firm stance against these demonstrations continues to show its desire to gain greater control over Hong Kong. Beijing has already been under attack for its iron fist approach across the mainland, especially in the provinces of Tibet and Xinjiang. However, even in the face of Chinese pressure, Lam should listen to the voices of the Hong Kong people who continue to rally and decide to withdraw the extradition bill.

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