Hong Kong protest sees thousands call for city leader to step down: live updates - CNN

Protesters march on the streets against an extradition bill in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 16. Vincent Yu/AP

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Hong Kong as campaigners look to keep the pressure on the government, despite a move by the city's embattled leader to suspend a controversial extradition bill.

On Saturday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the top official in Hong Kong, said passage of the bill would be suspended and a second reading due to take place this month canceled.

The announcement though has failed to quell public anger.

In a clear sign of continued dissatisfaction thousands have joined today's march to demand the bill be shelved completely and for the city's leader to step down.

Large numbers of protesters began to gather in the city's Victoria Park just after midday Sunday, donning black and wearing white ribbons on their chests.

Many carried bunches of white flowers to honor a man who died after falling from a building on Saturday while holding banners opposing the extradition bill.

"We buy the white flower to hope that he can rest in peace," said 23-year-old Michael, who works in concessions and only gave his first name. Like many others around him, he carried a sign saying "Freedom is Not Free."

Let's block ads! (Why?)