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AFP
Hong Kong
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Tuesday for the political unrest that has shaken Hong Kong, but the pro-Beijing chief executive refused to bow to demands for her resignation.
Lam suspended the bill on Saturday after two massive rallies that saw isolated bouts of violence between the police and some protesters.
But that failed to quell public anger, and an even bigger rally Sunday drew over two million people, organisers said–more than a quarter of the population. “I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This has led to controversies, disputes and anxieties in society,” Lam told a press conference.
“For this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong.” Activists have demanded the bill be withdrawn fully, for Lam to step down, and for police to be investigated for using tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters.
They have also asked for all charges to be dropped against anyone detained during the protests. But Lam gave no indication she was prepared to step down, saying instead she wanted to “continue to work very hard... to meet the aspirations of the Hong Kong people”. Lam tacitly suggested, however, that the extradition bill was unlikely to be revived given the public sentiment.
“I will not proceed again with this legislative exercise if these fears and anxieties could not be adequately addressed,” she said.
“If the bill... (does) not make the legislative council by July next year, it will expire... and the government will accept that reality.” - Public rage -Protest organisers were unmoved by Lam’s latest public statement, and slammed her for failing to address their demands.
“Her attitude is arrogant,” said Jimmy Sham of the Civil Human Rights Front, an umbrella organisation of various groups participating in the protests.
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19/06/2019
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