Hong Kong extradition bill: Organizers claim 2 million march as protesters demand leader's resignation
Hong Kong extradition bill: Protesters demand Carrie Lam's resignation as organizers claim 2 million march - CNN
An estimated 2 million people who have flowed into Hong Kong’s streets since June 9 to protest a proposed law that would let China easily transfer individuals in the city to the mainland if they are suspected of breaking Chinese law.
The Chinese government promised that for 50 years, Hong Kong would be given a “high degree of autonomy.” This included a guarantee that Hong Kong could maintain its judicial system’s rule of law established by the British.
On its official website, the city’s government emphasizes: “The rule of law is one of Hong Kong’s greatest strengths. It is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success. … Everyone in Hong Kong is equal before the law.”
The Rule of Law
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The judicial system of mainland China is radically different. Leaders of the Chinese Communist Party are above the law.
They weaponize the judicial system to punish enemies and to tighten their grip on power. Communist Party authorities routinely detain human rights lawyers, secretly arrest individuals who are critical of the party, and use torture to extract confessions.
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The conviction rate for Chinese courts is an astounding 99.9 percent, often with executions carried out just 72 hours after a verdict is rendered. China executes more prisoners than the rest of the world combined.
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Fear of being subjected to this corrupt Chinese system has mobilized huge numbers of protesters in Hong Kong. They scored a notable victory on June 15 when the territory’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, announced the suspension of plans to enact the extradition law.
Hong Kong protests: Hundreds of thousands join third huge demonstration in a week - CNN
But a suspension is not a withdrawal. And the protesters fear that the move is designed to reduce the momentum of the protest so that the Communist Party can get the law passed quickly later. So they have continued to protest.