Hong Kong formally scraps extradition bill that sparked protests

Philip FONG / AFP

Hong Kong has officially withdrawn the controversial extradition bill that sparked months of violent protests in the city.

"I now formally announce the withdrawal of the bill," Secretary for Security John Lee told the city's legislature on Wednesday. 

It comes on the same day that a murder suspect at the heart of the extradition case controversy was released from prison.

Chan Tong-kai, who is wanted for killing his partner in Taiwan, was released after serving a separate sentence for money laundering.

It comes a month after Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced plans to withdraw the bill formally.


 

More from International News

News

  • Iranian nationals in UAE exempted from overstay fines

    Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Iranian nationals currently in the UAE will be exempt from overstay fines caused by delays in leaving the country.

  • UAE ensures smooth airport operations amid airspace closures

    The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has confirmed that all necessary measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted airport operations in response to recent regional developments and airspace closures in neighbouring countries.

  • UAE, Turkish Presidents discuss regional developments

    The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have held a phone call to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and ways to promote regional stability.