Hong Kong: Hong Kong opposition groups called for another major demonstration on Thursday after the pro-Beijing government did not respond to demands of protesters who have shaken the city with massive rallies.
Millions have marched this month to oppose a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to the Chinese mainland, but the huge protest movement has morphed into a larger rebuke of Hong Kong’s administration.
Under-fire chief executive Carrie Lam has apologised and suspended the controversial bill, but that has failed to quell the opposition, with protesters demanding she step down and completely withdraw the legislation.
A number of protest groups, including student unions, called for supporters to mobilise on Friday, asking people to gather at the city’s main government complex to “hold picnics” outside the legislature starting 7 am on Friday.
They also recommended a go-slow protest on roads and public transport, and urged people to gather in other parts of the city to show their support.
“Blossom everywhere,” read a statement circulated in a chat group on the messaging app Telegram by eight informal protest groups.
“There are many ways to participate. Think carefully about your own ways to show your love to Hong Kong. June 21 is not the end of the fight, there will be more in the coming days.”
The groups also recommended a mass strike, but it was not immediately clear which business or professional groups would support such a call.
The government announced that central administrative offices would be closed on Friday “due to security considerations”.
In addition to Lam’s ouster and the extradition law’s withdrawal, protesters have also demanded the release of those detained during sporadic clashes with police last week, and an investigation into allegations of police brutality.
“The hope is to apply pressure before civil servants go to work if we have a certain amount of people,” said So Tsun Fung, president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Students Union.
Lam has defied calls from protesters and vowed to stay on as chief executive.
“The deadline has passed. The stone-hearted Carrie Lam can’t see and can’t hear our voices... But we won’t be dejected,” said lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki, from the minority pro-democracy bloc in Hong Kong’s legislature.
“If anyone is hurt tomorrow with batons, tear gas or rubber bullets, or arrested... all responsibility will lie with Carrie Lam.”
— AFP
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