Protests against China extradition bill paralyze Hong KongBy The Manila TimesHONG KONG: Tens of thousands of protesters paralyzed central Hong Kong on Wednesday, blocking major roads in a defiant show of strength against government plans to allow extraditions to China. Organizers of a gigantic march on Sunday said more than a million people turned out to voice their objections to the proposed law, which would allow Hong Kong to send suspects to other jurisdictions around the world — including China. ‘Hong Kong’s children will hurt’Overnight, a group of around 2,000 protesters held a vigil outside the government offices, with some singing hymns. A 50-year agreement between Hong Kong’s former colonial ruler, Britain, and China theoretically means the city is guaranteed freedoms of speech and assembly unseen on the Chinese mainland. Western governments have also voiced alarm, with the US this week warning the bill would put people at risk of “China’s capricious judicial system.”Beijing hit back on Tuesday, with a foreign ministry official saying China “resolutely opposes interference in Hong Kong affairs.” AFPAFP/CC

Source: Manila Times June 12, 2019 03:56 UTC