Hong Kong leader withdraws controversial extradition bill after months of protests

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam announces withdrawal of extradition bill — (Image credit: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Wednesday that she is withdrawing an extradition bill that sparked months of protests, meeting a key demand of the pro-democracy demonstrators. Lam suspended the controversial legislation — which would allow transferring people from Hong Kong's independent judiciary to mainland China's Communist Party–controlled courts — in June and later said it was "dead," but protesters insisted that the bill be formally killed off.

Initial reaction to the move among the protest movement was skepticism, with many calling it too little, too late. An online forum popular with the protesters was filled with calls to keep up the pressure until all their demands are met. Other demands include an independent inquiry into police violence against protesters, amnesty for jailed protesters and protest leaders, and a return to direct election of Hong Kong lawmakers and leaders.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.