Huge protests in Hong Kong against extradition law changes
People are protesting proposed changes to extradition law (Picture: Getty; AP) Hundreds of thousand..
Hundreds of thousands of people have hit the streets in Hong Kong to protest new laws which could see people extradited to mainland China.
Organisers said their initial estimates put the turnout at well over half a million people.
The amendments, which would allow some suspects to face trial on the mainland, are seen as eroding Hong Kongs judicial independence.
Under its one country, two systems framework, Hong Kong was guaranteed the right to retain its own social, legal and political systems for 50 years following its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
However, Chinas ruling Communist Party has been seen as increasingly reneging on that agreement by forcing through unpopular legal changes.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but there were images of violence that appeared to show protesters clashing with police, and some being dragged away.
Sundays outpouring was widely expected to raise the pressure on the administration of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her official backers in Beijing.
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Chants of no China extradition, no evil law echoed through the highrise city streets, while other marchers called for Hong Lam and other senior officials to step down.
One protester held a sign reading Carry off Carrie, while another declared Extradite yourself, Carrie.” Another sign said lets make Hong Kong great again, with a photo depicting US President Donald Trump firing Lam.