02:24Hong Kong: Tensions flare as demo against China bill escalates
Chaos broke out near Hong Kong's Legislative Council on Wednesday, as thousands of people demonstrated against the government's proposed extradition bill which would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China to face trial.
Riot police deployed tear gas to push back demonstrators, who in turn hurled bottles and umbrellas at them.
Earlier in the day, lawmakers were reportedly forced to postpone a legislative session on the proposed bill after protesters blocked an entry to the Legislative Council.
The rally follows Hong Kong's largest protest in decades which took place on Sunday, with hundreds of thousands of people attending.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam indicated that her government will go ahead with the proposed amendments despite the widespread opposition. Critics fear the changes would undermine the city's rule of law and leave many vulnerable to extradition to China for political reasons.
Around 5,000 police officers remain deployed on the streets of Hong Kong with parliament due to start debating the amendments today. A final vote is due to happen on June 20.
02:24Chaos broke out near Hong Kong's Legislative Council on Wednesday, as thousands of people demonstrated against the government's proposed extradition bill which would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China to face trial.
Riot police deployed tear gas to push back demonstrators, who in turn hurled bottles and umbrellas at them.
Earlier in the day, lawmakers were reportedly forced to postpone a legislative session on the proposed bill after protesters blocked an entry to the Legislative Council.
The rally follows Hong Kong's largest protest in decades which took place on Sunday, with hundreds of thousands of people attending.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam indicated that her government will go ahead with the proposed amendments despite the widespread opposition. Critics fear the changes would undermine the city's rule of law and leave many vulnerable to extradition to China for political reasons.
Around 5,000 police officers remain deployed on the streets of Hong Kong with parliament due to start debating the amendments today. A final vote is due to happen on June 20.