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Hong Kong extradition bill
Hong KongPolitics

Hong Kong protests go global as marchers take to streets in US, Europe and Australia in show of solidarity

  • Demonstrations draw hundreds in New York and Washington as Hongkongers abroad show their support
  • Chief Executive Carrie Lam has failed to appease the public at home or abroad

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Demonstrators gathered around the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington on Sunday. Photo: Nectar Gan
Nectar Gan,Xinyan Yuin BeijingandLaura Main New York
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in the United States on Sunday in a show of solidarity with the almost 2 million Hongkongers who marched to demand the controversial extradition bill be scrapped, and for the resignation of the city’s leader.

The rallies in New York and Washington were part of 39 planned protests taking place over the weekend around the world, with protests in Britain, Germany, France, South Korea, Australia, and North America, among others.

The global demonstrations came as Hongkongers flooded the streets of the city on Sunday in a stunning repudiation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, calling her to resign over her push for a bill that would allow the city to send residents and visitors to mainland China to face trial.

Despite her initial reluctance to issue a public apology, Lam was finally forced to say sorry amid the historic march, after her partial climbdown on Saturday to suspend, but not fully withdraw, the bill failed to appease the public.
Nearly 1,000 people marched across Manhattan Bridge in New York. Photo: Xinyan Yu
Nearly 1,000 people marched across Manhattan Bridge in New York. Photo: Xinyan Yu

With their distrust of Lam and her government in plain sight, many demonstrators in the US said they were deeply sceptical of her pledge to hit the pause button on the bill. They said they would accept nothing less than a complete withdrawal.

Yip, a Hongkonger in her 30s who moved to the United States 20 years ago, said Lam was just “playing her political gamesmanship”.

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