Hundreds of thousands march in Hong Kong to protest China extradition bill

SUMMARY

Hong Kong was plunged into a fresh political crisis on Sunday night after more than half a million people took to the streets to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China to face trial. Organisers said the turnout outstripped a demonstration in 2003 when 500,000 hit the streets to challenge government plans for tighter national security laws.

By ReutersJun 10, 2019 10:12:32 AM IST (Published)

Hong Kong plunged into a fresh political crisis on Sunday night after more than half a million people took to the streets to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China to face trial. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Demonstrators pick up railings during a protest to demand authorities scrap a proposed extradition bill with China. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Riot police officers gesture in front of a man with a child during a protest to demand authorities scrap a proposed extradition bill with China. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Protesters charged police lines to try to force their way into the Legislative Council building, and police charged back, using pepper spray, after warning the protesters. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest to demand authorities scrap a proposed extradition bill with China. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The former British colony was handed back to Chinese rule in 1997 amid guarantees of autonomy and various freedoms including a separate legal system, which many diplomats and business leaders believe is the city's strongest remaining asset. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

The unusually broad opposition to the rendition bill displayed on Sunday came amid a series of government moves to deepen links between southern mainland China and Hong Kong. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

Organisers said the turnout outstripped a demonstration in 2003 when 500,000 hit the streets to challenge government plans for tighter national security laws. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Police officers detain protesters during a protest to demand authorities scrap a proposed extradition bill with China. REUTERS/James Pomfret