Unprecedented mass rallies against the bill have rocked the city's government -- plunging the city into its biggest political crisis in decades -- with protesters calling for Lam to step down. "For this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong." Lam suspended the bill after the city saw massive rallies on June 9 and 12 -- with bouts of violence between the police and some protesters. Lam gave no indication she was prepared to step down, saying instead she wanted to "continue to work very hard... to meet the aspirations of the Hong Kong people". Critics of the extradition bill fear the legislation will entangle Hong Kong residents in China's notoriously opaque and politicised justice system, and damage the city's reputation as a safe business hub.

Source: The Nation Bangkok June 18, 2019 08:48 UTC