Lam Says Extradition Bill Will End Without Debate or Vote

A man watches the television message that Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam makes an announcement on the extradition bill, at a home electronics retailer in Hong Kong, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. Photo: Vincent Yu / AP
A man watches the television message that Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam makes an announcement on the extradition bill, at a home electronics retailer in Hong Kong, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. Chief Executive Lam has announced the government will formally withdraw an extradition bill that has sparked months of demonstrations in the city, bowing to one of the protesters' demands. The bill would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials. It sparked massive protests that have become increasingly violent and caused the airport to shut down earlier this month. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

HONG KONG — Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says the extradition bill that sparked months of demonstrations will be formally withdrawn in the legislative council without the need for debate or vote.

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Lam made her first live remarks on the withdrawal of the bill at a news conference Thursday. She said there will be no debate and no voting in the council, which resumes meeting next month and is packed with pro-Beijing lawmakers.

Withdrawal of the bill meets one of protesters’ demands, but the activists have vowed not to yield until the government accepts other demands including an independent investigation into alleged police brutality against protesters, the unconditional release of those detained and democracy.

The massive protests since June have disrupted transportation links around the city and at its international airport.

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