Hong Kong authorities close government offices after crowds and riot police clash in day of violence over new extradition bill

  • Tens of thousands of black-clad demonstrators filled nearby streets and overturned barriers on Wednesday
  • Clashes broke out at 3pm local time - the deadline protesters had given for government to abandon the law
  • Police fired pepper spray and tear gas to push back against protesters attempting to storm into parliament
  • Officers used batons, pepper spray, beanbag rounds, rubber bullets, water hoses and tear gas against people
  • Ambulances were heading towards the protest area as people are seen trying to flee the stinging tear gas 
  • With crowds swelling, the government said they would delay the second reading of the bill 'to a later date'
  • Hong Kong authorities shuttered government buildings on Thursday morning until the end of the week

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Hong Kong's authorities have closed government offices after crowds and riot police clashed in a day of violence over a new extradition bill.

Police fired pepper spray, used batons and water cannons to beat back umbrella-wielding protesters who tried to reach the city's parliament on Wednesday.

The authorities began shuttering government buildings in the financial district, which will remain closed until the end of the week, as a handful of protesters remained milling on the streets early on Thursday. 

Wednesday's violence was some of the worst the city has seen since Britain handed it back to Chinese rule in 1997.

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority said 72 people had been hospitalised by 10pm on Wednesday.

Clashes broke out shortly after 3pm local time - the deadline protesters had given for the government to abandon a controversial bill that would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in mainland China.

Police equipped with riot shields, tear gas and batons have pushed back against unarmed protesters attempting to storm past barricades to get into the city's government headquarters. 

Tens of thousands of protesters occupied the roads near the Legislative Council Complex in Hong Kong to demand to government to withdraw extradition bill on Wednesday - early on Thursday morning city officials began closing government offices

Tens of thousands of protesters occupied the roads near the Legislative Council Complex in Hong Kong to demand to government to withdraw extradition bill on Wednesday - early on Thursday morning city officials began closing government offices

Heavily armoured riot police officers wearing masks to protect against tear gas which filled the streets stand guard in Hong Kong on Wednesday

Heavily armoured riot police officers wearing masks to protect against tear gas which filled the streets stand guard in Hong Kong on Wednesday

Horrifying video footage captured by witnesses show a team of riot police beating up an unarmed protester on the street
The fresh rally comes three days after more than a million people marched through the streets of Hong Kong to voice their objections to the proposed law

Horrifying video footage captured by witnesses show a team of riot police beating up an unarmed protester on the street

Police officers use batons on protesters who were attempting to storm past barricades to get into government offices

Police officers use batons on protesters who were attempting to storm past barricades to get into government offices

Tens of thousands of protesters paralysed central Hong Kong on Wednesday, blocking major roads in a defiant show of strength against government plans to allow extraditions to China. The government said they would delay the second reading of the bill

Tens of thousands of protesters paralysed central Hong Kong on Wednesday, blocking major roads in a defiant show of strength against government plans to allow extraditions to China. The government said they would delay the second reading of the bill

The overwhelmingly young crowd of demonstrators filled nearby streets, overturned barriers and tussled with police

The overwhelmingly young crowd of demonstrators filled nearby streets, overturned barriers and tussled with police

Protesters using umbrellas as shields could be seen trying to get closer to riot police protecting the Legislative Council building, with projectiles thrown at officers who responded with pepper spray and baton charges

Protesters using umbrellas as shields could be seen trying to get closer to riot police protecting the Legislative Council building, with projectiles thrown at officers who responded with pepper spray and baton charges

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and pepper spray at bottle-throwing demonstrators who charged officers with umbrellas outside the city’s legislature

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and pepper spray at bottle-throwing demonstrators who charged officers with umbrellas outside the city's legislature 

Earlier in the day, tens of thousands of black-clad demonstrators paralysed central Hong Kong, filling nearby streets and overturning barriers outside government offices where the bill was due for a scheduled debate. 

By late morning, with crowds swelling, officials in the Legislative Council said they would delay the second reading of the bill 'to a later date'. 

The fresh rally comes three days after more than a million people marched through the streets of the territory to voice their objections to the proposed law.

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many who wore face masks, helmets or goggles - just hours ahead of a scheduled debate in the city's legislature. 

In scenes echoing the Occupy movement in 2014 that shut down swathes of the city for months, people flooded major roads and junctions in the heart of the city, dragging barricades onto highways and tying them together.

Some protesters in cars deliberately stopped their vehicles in the middle of one key artery and jumped out, blocking the road.

Ambulances were heading towards the protest area as panic spread through the crowd, many people trying to flee the stinging tear gas. Some shops were putting up their shutters at the nearby IFC, one of Hong Kong's tallest buildings. 

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many who wore face masks, helmets or goggles - just hours ahead of a scheduled debate in the city's legislature

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many who wore face masks, helmets or goggles - just hours ahead of a scheduled debate in the city's legislature

Matthew Cheung, the city's chief secretary, called on demonstrators to unblock key arteries and withdraw, in the first official reaction to the latest protests

Matthew Cheung, the city's chief secretary, called on demonstrators to unblock key arteries and withdraw, in the first official reaction to the latest protests

Protesters 'must stop the violence', police chief Stephen Lo said, warning residents to stay away from a 'riot situation'. He confirmed police were using plastic bullets

Protesters 'must stop the violence', police chief Stephen Lo said, warning residents to stay away from a 'riot situation'. He confirmed police were using plastic bullets

One image circulating on social media shows a man bleeding from a head wound after being shot with a rubber bullet. He was identified to be a driver transporting photography equipment to the scene, according to Apple Daily

One image circulating on social media shows a man bleeding from a head wound after being shot with a rubber bullet. He was identified to be a driver transporting photography equipment to the scene, according to Apple Daily

A protester throws a brick during the demonstration as police officers use force to clear the area

A protester throws a brick during the demonstration as police officers use force to clear the area

Protesters overturn barriers outside government offices where the bill was due for a scheduled debate this morning

Protesters overturn barriers outside government offices where the bill was due for a scheduled debate this morning

An officer throws tear gas at protesters during the rally. Wednesday's violence was an unprecedented escalation of the conflict

An officer throws tear gas at protesters during the rally. Wednesday's violence was an unprecedented escalation of the conflict

Commissioner Stephen Lo Wai-chung told reporters that officers used batons, pepper spray, beanbag rounds, rubber bullets, water hoses and tear gas against the demonstrators. About 5,000 police officers were deployed to control the protesters.

Protesters 'must stop the violence', he said, warning residents to stay away from a 'riot situation'. He said several people including some officers had been injured. 

One image circulating on social media shows a man bleeding from a head wound after being shot with a rubber bullet. He was identified to be a driver transporting photography equipment to the scene and in serious condition, according to Apple Daily. 

Police used water cannons and pepper spray on protesters outside the Legco building and held up signs warning demonstrators they were prepared to use force. 

One video filmed by witnesses shows a group of riot police charging towards an unarmed man and beating him up in front of horrified protesters.

Police officers fire a tear gas at protesters while holding up warning signs in an attempt to clear the area

Police officers fire a tear gas at protesters while holding up warning signs in an attempt to clear the area

A protester reacts as she is tackled by riot police who are protecting the city's Legislative Council building

A protester reacts as she is tackled by riot police who are protecting the city's Legislative Council building 

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many who wore face masks, helmets or goggles - just hours ahead of a scheduled debate in the city's legislature. Police fires tear gas at protesters to clear the area

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many who wore face masks, helmets or goggles - just hours ahead of a scheduled debate in the city's legislature. Police fires tear gas at protesters to clear the area

Protesters occupy two main highways near the government headquarters in Hong Kong earlier Wednesday. Debate on the bill in the city's Legislative Council delayed until further notice

Protesters occupy two main highways near the government headquarters in Hong Kong earlier Wednesday. Debate on the bill in the city's Legislative Council delayed until further notice

A protester mounts a metal barricade during a fresh demonstration earlier Wednesday. More than 100 Hong Kong businesses said they would close in a sign of solidarity with the protesters, and the city's major student unions announced they would boycott classes to attend the rally

A protester mounts a metal barricade during a fresh demonstration earlier Wednesday. More than 100 Hong Kong businesses said they would close in a sign of solidarity with the protesters, and the city's major student unions announced they would boycott classes to attend the rally

In scenes echoing the Occupy movement in 2014 that shut down swathes of the city for months, people flooded major roads and junctions in the heart of the city, dragging barricades onto highways and tying them together

In scenes echoing the Occupy movement in 2014 that shut down swathes of the city for months, people flooded major roads and junctions in the heart of the city, dragging barricades onto highways and tying them together

Police officers use a water cannon on a lone protester near the government headquarters in Hong Kong

Police officers use a water cannon on a lone protester near the government headquarters in Hong Kong

Fredie Hung, 32, said he was not wearing any goggles or face mask when an officer fired a tear gas at him. 

'I wasn't even storming at the barricades. The protest was peaceful and I was just standing on the side of the road. I couldn't breathe the first minute. My eyes were in a lot of pain,' he told MailOnline.  

'Didn't we say at the end of the Umbrella movement we would be back?' pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said, referring to the name often used for the 2014 'Occupy' demonstrations.

'Now we are back!' she said as supporters echoed her words.

But Wednesday's violence was an unprecedented escalation of the conflict.

'In terms of the level of violence, today has been the most serious since the 1997 handover,' political analyst Dixon Sing told AFP, citing the sustained use of tear gas, rubber bullets and bean bag rounds, as well as the willingness of protesters to take on the police.

'Today's events reflect a huge gap in the confidence Hong Kong people have towards the government. They increasingly believe the Hong Kong government are a bunch of puppets serving the interests of Beijing,' he added. 

Clashes broke out shortly after 3pm (0700 GMT) - the deadline protesters had given for the government to abandon a controversial bill that would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in mainland China

Clashes broke out shortly after 3pm (0700 GMT) - the deadline protesters had given for the government to abandon a controversial bill that would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in mainland China

Panic spread through the crowd, many people trying to flee the stinging tear gas during the rally

Panic spread through the crowd, many people trying to flee the stinging tear gas during the rally 

Organisers 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

Organisers 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 has delayed a legislative session on a contentious extradition bill after tens of thousands of protesters amassed near the government’s headquarters

Hong Kong has delayed a legislative session on a contentious extradition bill after tens of thousands of protesters amassed near the government's headquarters

By late morning, with crowds continuing to swell, officials in the Legislative Council said they would delay the second reading of the bill 'to a later date'

By late morning, with crowds continuing to swell, officials in the Legislative Council said they would delay the second reading of the bill 'to a later date'

A protester gathers loose bricks to build a barricade during a demonstration against a proposed extradition bill

A protester gathers loose bricks to build a barricade during a demonstration against a proposed extradition bill

Organisers 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. 

But the record numbers failed to sway pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam, who has rejected calls to withdraw the bill. 

Matthew Cheung, the city's chief secretary, called on demonstrators to unblock key arteries and withdraw, in the first official reaction to the latest protests.

'I also urge citizens who have gathered to show restraint as much as possible, disperse peacefully and do not defy the law,' he said in a video message Wednesday.

Many opponents are fearful the law would entangle people in the mainland's opaque courts, leaving them vulnerable to a justice system seen as acting at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party. 

More than 100 Hong Kong businesses said they would close Wednesday in a sign of solidarity with the protesters, and the city's major student unions announced they would boycott classes to attend the rally. 

Protesters rest around barricades during the rally in Hong Kong as police warned that they will use force on demonstrators

Protesters rest around barricades during the rally in Hong Kong as police warned that they will use force on demonstrators

Police fire tear gas at protesters in an attempt to clear the area near the city's government offices

Police fire tear gas at protesters in an attempt to clear the area near the city's government offices

Protesters sit around barricades during a rally against an extradition bill outside the Legislative Council

Protesters sit around barricades during a rally against an extradition bill outside the Legislative Council

Police fire tear gas at protesters during the demonstration

Police fire tear gas at protesters during the demonstration 

A string of other prominent unions in the transport, social work and teaching sectors either followed suit or encouraged members to attend, while a bus driver union said it would encourage members to drive deliberately slowly to support protests.

Ryan Li, 24, who runs a start-up consulting firm, said all six of his employees have joined the protests. 

'Since we're a company with quite a few fresh grads and most of us care a lot about this issue. Even though I don't think the protests will work at all, I believe it's important that I allow our colleagues embrace who they are and their own beliefs,' he told MailOnline.

'It's the government who has forced people to escalate their actions, so I think it's inevitable for the fight this time to get heated,' said protester Lau Ka-chun, 21. 

News of the postponed debate did not deter crowds swelling throughout Wednesday. 

Protesters wrap themselves with cellophane wrap to protect themselves from pepper spray

Protesters wrap themselves with cellophane wrap to protect themselves from pepper spray

A government statement said the session of Hong Kong's Legislative Council that was scheduled to begin at 11am local time Wednesday would be 'changed to a later time' yet to be decided

A government statement said the session of Hong Kong's Legislative Council that was scheduled to begin at 11am local time Wednesday would be 'changed to a later time' yet to be decided

Protesters rallied in and around Lung Wo Road, a main east-west artery near the offices of embattled Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as hundreds of armed riot police, some with plastic shields, warned them to stop advancing

Protesters rallied in and around Lung Wo Road, a main east-west artery near the offices of embattled Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as hundreds of armed riot police, some with plastic shields, warned them to stop advancing

'It's not enough to delay the meeting,' said student Charles Lee, 23. 'Stalling is not our ultimate goal. We need them to consider scrapping it... Clashes are unavoidable if they adopt this attitude towards their citizens.'

A note from protesters circulating in a Telegram messaging group threatened a series of consequences - including storming the Legco buildings, paralysing public transport, surrounding the houses of cabinet members and continuing to occupy the roads - if the bill is not withdrawn by 3:00 pm (0700 GMT). 

Lawmakers had been due to debate the bill on Wednesday morning in the city's legislature, which is dominated by Beijing loyalists, with a final vote expected on June 20. 

It was not announced when the next meeting on the bill would be held.

'The only responsible thing to do now is for Carrie Lam to withdraw the evil bill, or at least to shelve it in order to solve the crisis,' said pro-democracy lawmaker Fernando Cheung.

“Didn’t we say at the end of the Umbrella movement we would be back?” pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said, referring to the name often used for the “Occupy” demonstrations, whose trademark was the yellow umbrella

'Didn't we say at the end of the Umbrella movement we would be back?' pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said, referring to the name often used for the 'Occupy' demonstrations, whose trademark was the yellow umbrella

Protesters retreat after police fired tear gas during the rally near Hong Kong's government offices

Protesters retreat after police fired tear gas during the rally near Hong Kong's government offices

Large crowds of protesters have gathered in central Hong Kong in a show of strength against the government's divisive plan to allow extraditions to mainland China

Large crowds of protesters have gathered in central Hong Kong in a show of strength against the government's divisive plan to allow extraditions to mainland China

'Because the situation is very tense, if she forces it through and asks the police to use violence, I'm afraid Hong Kong's children will be hurt, will bleed.' 

Hong Kong's leaders say the proposed law is needed to plug loopholes and to stop the city being a sanctuary for fugitives, and that safeguards are in place to ensure that political critics of Beijing will not be targeted.

But many Hong Kongers have little faith in the government's assurances after years of heightened fears that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the city's unique freedoms and culture - despite a 50-year agreement between Hong Kong's former colonial ruler, Britain, and China that means the city is guaranteed freedoms unseen on the Chinese mainland. 

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday extradition rules in Hong Kong had to respect the rights and freedoms set out in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.

'We are concerned about potential effects of these proposals particularly obviously given the large number of British citizens there are in Hong Kong,' May told parliament.

'But it is vital that those extradition arrangements in Hong Kong are in line with the rights and freedoms that were set down in the Sino-British joint declaration.'

A note from protesters circulating in a Telegram messaging group threatened a series of consequences - including storming the Legco buildings, paralysing public transport, surrounding the houses of cabinet members and continuing to occupy the roads - if the bill is not withdrawn by 3:00 pm (0700 GMT)

A note from protesters circulating in a Telegram messaging group threatened a series of consequences - including storming the Legco buildings, paralysing public transport, surrounding the houses of cabinet members and continuing to occupy the roads - if the bill is not withdrawn by 3:00 pm (0700 GMT)

Lawmakers had been due to debate the bill on Wednesday morning in the city's legislature, which is dominated by Beijing loyalists, with a final vote expected on June 20

Lawmakers had been due to debate the bill on Wednesday morning in the city's legislature, which is dominated by Beijing loyalists, with a final vote expected on June 20

Hong Kong's leaders say the proposed law is needed to plug loopholes and to stop the city being a sanctuary for fugitives, and that safeguards are in place to ensure that political critics of Beijing will not be targeted

Hong Kong's leaders say the proposed law is needed to plug loopholes and to stop the city being a sanctuary for fugitives, and that safeguards are in place to ensure that political critics of Beijing will not be targeted

But many Hong Kongers have little faith in the government's assurances after years of heightened fears that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the city's unique freedoms and culture

But many Hong Kongers have little faith in the government's assurances after years of heightened fears that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the city's unique freedoms and culture

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many of whom wore face masks, helmets or goggles

Rows of riot police were far outnumbered by protesters - many of whom wore face masks, helmets or goggles

At regular briefing Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry repeated its support for the proposed legislation. Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said 'any act that undermines Hong Kong's prosperity and stability is opposed by mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong.'

He also denied Beijing has been interfering in the city's affairs in a way that violates agreements made when Hong Kong was handed back to China. 

'Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms have been fully guaranteed in accordance with law,' he added.

Many accuse China of extensive meddling, denying democratic reforms, interfering with local elections and the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. 

But many Hong Kongers have little faith in the government's assurances after years of heightened fears that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the city's unique freedoms and culture

But many Hong Kongers have little faith in the government's assurances after years of heightened fears that a resurgent Beijing is trying to quash the city's unique freedoms and culture

Hong Kong's stock market sank more than 1.8 per cent amid the city-wide turmoil, making it the worst performer in Asia on Wednesday

Hong Kong's stock market sank more than 1.8 per cent amid the city-wide turmoil, making it the worst performer in Asia on Wednesday

The clash between protesters and police happened near Hong Kong's Legislative Council Complex in Admiralty

The clash between protesters and police happened near Hong Kong's Legislative Council Complex in Admiralty 

Hong Kong's government has indefinitely delayed the second round of debate on an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial for the first time, after chaotic protests by tens of thousands of people

Hong Kong's government has indefinitely delayed the second round of debate on an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial for the first time, after chaotic protests by tens of thousands of people

The Hong Kong government first launched the proposals in February, putting forward sweeping changes that would simplify case-by-case extraditions of criminal suspects to countries beyond the 20 with which Hong Kong has existing extradition treaties

The Hong Kong government first launched the proposals in February, putting forward sweeping changes that would simplify case-by-case extraditions of criminal suspects to countries beyond the 20 with which Hong Kong has existing extradition treaties 

Western governments have voiced alarm, with the US this week warning the bill would put people at risk of 'China's capricious judicial system'

Western governments have voiced alarm, with the US this week warning the bill would put people at risk of 'China's capricious judicial system'

'When the fugitive extradition bill is passed, Hong Kong will become a 'useless Hong Kong',' said Jimmy Sham, convenor of Civil Human Rights Front, the main organiser of Sunday's demonstration. 

'We will be deep in a place where foreign investors are afraid to invest and tourists are afraid to go. Once the "Pearl of the Orient" (it) will become nothing.' 

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'.

Hong Kong's stock market sank more than 1.8 per cent amid the city-wide turmoil, making it the worst performer in Asia on Wednesday.

Why is Hong Kong's extradition law fueling protests?

Hong Kong's government has indefinitely suspended the debate on an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial for the first time, after chaotic protests by tens of thousands of people.

Hong Kong residents, as well as foreign and Chinese nationals living or traveling through the global financial hub, would all be at risk if they are wanted on the mainland.

Pro-establishment political forces are dominant in the Legislative Council and the bill is expected to be passed by the end of the month.

WHAT DOES THE EXTRADITION BILL INVOLVE?

Protesters march along a downtown street against the proposed amendments to an extradition law in Hong Kong on Sunday last week

Protesters march along a downtown street against the proposed amendments to an extradition law in Hong Kong on Sunday last week

The Hong Kong government first launched the proposals in February, putting forward sweeping changes that would simplify case-by-case extraditions of criminal suspects to countries beyond the 20 with which Hong Kong has existing extradition treaties.

It explicitly allows extraditions from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - for the first time, closing what Hong Kong government officials have repeatedly described as a 'loophole' that they claim has allowed the city to become a haven for criminals from the mainland.

Hong Kong's leader would start and finally approve an extradition following a request from a foreign jurisdiction but only after court hearings, including any possible appeals. However, the bill removes Legislative Council oversight of extradition arrangements.

WHY IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PUSHING IT NOW?

Officials initially seized on the murder last year of a young Hong Kong woman holidaying in Taiwan to justify swift changes. Police say her boyfriend confessed on his return to Hong Kong and he is now in jail on lesser money-laundering charges.

Taiwan authorities have strongly opposed the bill, which they say could leave Taiwanese citizens exposed in Hong Kong and have vowed to refuse taking back the murder suspect if the bill is passed.

A long-forgotten issue, the need for an eventual extradition deal with the mainland was acknowledged by government officials and experts ahead of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' model.

The city maintains a separate and independent legal system as part of the broader freedoms the formula guarantees. Little progress has been made in discreet talks since then with justice and security officials on the mainland, where the Communist Party still controls the courts.

HOW STRONG IS OPPOSITION TO THE BILL?

Protest placards and flowers are displayed during a demonstration in Hong Kong on June 11  to demand authorities scrap a proposed extradition bill with China

Protest placards and flowers are displayed during a demonstration in Hong Kong on June 11  to demand authorities scrap a proposed extradition bill with China

Concern about the amendments has spiraled in recent weeks, taking in pro-business and pro-Beijing elements usually loath to publicly contradict the Hong Kong or Chinese governments. 

Senior Hong Kong judges have privately expressed alarm, and mainland commercial lawyers based in Hong Kong have echoed their fears, saying the mainland system cannot be trusted to meet even basic standards of judicial fairness. Hong Kong lawyers' groups have issued detailed submissions to the government, hoping to force a postponement.

Authorities have repeatedly stressed that judges will serve as 'gatekeepers' or guardians for extradition requests. However, some judges say privately that China's increasingly close relationship with Hong Kong and the limited scope of extradition hearings will leave them exposed to criticism and political pressure from Beijing.

Schools, lawyers and church groups have joined human rights groups to protest against the measures. Following a brawl in the legislature over the bill, the government moved to fast-track the bill by scrapping established legislative procedures that stoked outrage amongst critics.

Police officers stand guard outside the Legislative Council building as people protest the extradition bill with China in Hong Kong on the night of June 11

Police officers stand guard outside the Legislative Council building as people protest the extradition bill with China in Hong Kong on the night of June 11

Foreign political and diplomatic pressure over human rights concerns is rising, too. As well as recent statements from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his British and German counterparts, some 11 European Union envoys met Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam to protest formally.

'It's a proposal, or a set of proposals, which strike a terrible blow ... against the rule of law, against Hong Kong's stability and security, against Hong Kong's position as a great international trading hub,' Hong Kong's last British governor, Chris Patten, said on Thursday.

Some opposition politicians say the issue now represents a turning point for the city's free status.