World

Hong Kong: Thousands protest against China extradition law

April 29, 2019 5:15 am

Thousands of people protested in Hong Kong over a proposed law change that would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Officials say they need to amend the law before July so that they can extradite a murder suspect to Taiwan.

Demonstrators – some marching with umbrellas – fear Beijing is trying to exert more power over the territory.

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Police estimate that about 22,000 people took part, while organisers say this figure was closer to 130,000.

Either way, these estimates would make it the largest demonstration since pro-democracy rallies in 2014 known as the Umbrella Movement.

Reuters news agency reported that people were chanting “step down, Carrie Lam”. Ms Lam is the pro-Beijing leader of Hong Kong.