Big Win For Pro-Democracy Campaigners: Hong Kong Officially Withdraws Controversial Extradition Bill

"I now formally announce the withdrawal of the bill," Secretary for Security John Lee told the city's legislature taking no questions from pro-democracy lawmakers, citing the rules did not allow for debate.

People gather for a pro-democracy march in the Tsim Sha Tsui district in Hong Kong on October 20, 2019. PIC/AFP.

Hong Kong: In a major victory for pro-democracy campaigners, Hong Kong on Wednesday officially withdrew the controversial extradition bill that sparked over 20 weeks of protest and civil unrest to shove the island nation into a political turmoil. The move came a week late due to protests at the Legislative Council during the Chief Executive's policy address, reported Hong Kong Free Press. "I now formally announce the withdrawal of the bill," Secretary for Security John Lee told the city's legislature taking no questions from pro-democracy lawmakers, citing the rules did not allow for debate. Although the bill is scrapped, protesters have demanded an independent commission of inquiry into police’s handling of the unrest. There have been calls for disbanding of the police force, need for full democracy and minimal interference from Beijing. The decision also comes hours after Hong Kong released from prison the murder suspect Chan Tong-kai, 20, is accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong. His case had triggered the city's mass protests and led to a diplomatic row. Exiting prison on Wednesday, he apologised to the victim's family and said that he was ready to surrender himself to Taiwanese police to face charges, the BBC reported. Taiwan on Tuesday said it was willing to send a delegation to bring Chan back for trial, but Hong Kong denied, saying the suspect should be allowed to fly unaccompanied and unescorted to Taiwan to turn himself in.