Hong Kong establishment tries to move on from protests

Activists vow to keep up campaign for withdrawal of controversial extradition bill

Flanked by signs calling for the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill, opposition member Eddie Chu raised questions as Hong Kong's legislature met for the first time since demonstrators besieged its offices a week before. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

DEAN NAPOLITANO, Nikkei Asian Review deputy editor

June 19, 2019 18:14 JST

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's political and business establishment sought to move on from days of protests and demonstrations on Wednesday, but activists vowed to keep up their campaign for the withdrawal of a controversial bill that would allow the extradition of criminal suspects to mainland China.

The city's Legislative Council convened for the first time since protesters besieged its offices on June 12 to block discussion of the bill. Opposition legislators pressed Secretary for Security John Lee for answers on why police had deployed rubber bullets, tear gas and other riot gear against the protesters and asked for his resignation.