HONG KONG — 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 semiautonomous territory. But they are also giving vent to young Hong Kongers alienated by a political process dominated by the territory’s economic elite. The number of demonstrators gathered outside Hong Kong's legislature is continuing to swell as thousands protest the controversial #extraditionbill pic.twitter.com/Gw0rX0x4N2The protest was a watershed moment for Hong Kong’s young generation, who face difficult job prospects and skyrocketing housing prices, said another protester, who gave her name as King, also out of fear of repercussions. Dressed in black T-shirts and jeans, many protesters appeared undaunted by demands to disperse from police who briefly used pepper spray and detained dozens overnight Tuesday. Such protests are never tolerated in mainland China, and Hong Kong residents can face travel bans and other repercussions if they cross the border.

Source: Huffington Post June 12, 2019 07:07 UTC