Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam has announced that she will formally withdraw the controversial extradition bill that sparked massive protests and political unrest in Hong Kong.
However, the news has been met with more skepticism than hope, according to South China Morning Post.
For nearly three months, protestors and Hong Kong police have clashed on the streets in regards to a controversial bill that would allow extradition to mainland China.
On Wednesday, Lam announced that the government will fully withdraw the bill in a minute-long video.
Many protestors regarded the bill reversal as “too little too late,” and that only one of five demands are being met.
The first demand was the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill. The remaining four are to launch an investigation of alleged police brutality, retract classification of protestors as “rioters,” amnesty of arrested protestors and implementation of universal suffrage.
“After more than two months of social unrest, it is obvious to many that this discontentment extends far beyond the bill,” Lam said, acknowledging the other four demands.
“Irrespective of our grievances or the depth of discontentment towards the Government, we cannot agree or accept that violence is a solution to our problems… As such, the Government has to strictly enforce the law against all violent and illegal acts,” Lam continued.
“Let’s replace conflicts with conversations, and lets look for solutions,” she concluded.
Many have openly voiced their skepticism about Lam’s sincerity and reiterated that the four other demands must be met.
Hong Kong protestors are far from celebrating. However, others outside of Hong Kong have seen it as a victory and inspiration.
Featured Image via Getty
