Hong Kong leader withdraws extradition bill

Carrie Lam bows to one protester demand, but critics say 'too little, too late'

People walk past a big screen replaying Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announcing the formal withdrawal of the extradition bill on Sept. 4. © Getty Images

DEAN NAPOLITANO, Nikkei Asian Review deputy editor

September 4, 2019 15:33 JST

Updated on September 4, 2019 19:30 JST

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Wednesday formally withdrew a controversial extradition bill that has been at the center of massive demonstrations this summer, bowing to one of five demands made by protesters.

In a recorded address broadcast on television on Wednesday evening, Lam also made three other proposals. She suggested appointing two new members to the Independent Police Complaints Council, sending officials into society to listen to people's views and inviting academics and others to conduct independent studies on resolving the situation.