Hong Kong Leader Backs Down to Protesters, Will Withdraw Hated Extradition Bill

Three months of city-wide protests in Hong Kong appear to have worked after leader Carrie Lam announced the withdrawal of the controversial extradition bill which forced people out onto the streets. Lam announced she will fully withdraw the bill Wednesday, meeting one of the five key demands of the protesters. In a video statement, Lam said she will withdraw the bill in an attempt to “fully allay public concerns,” according to The Washington Post. The bill would have allowed for the extradition of criminals to the Chinese mainland, which pro-democracy protesters said would have permanently endangered Hong Kong’s special status. A Hong Kong government source told the South China Morning Post: “This gesture to formally withdraw is a bid to cool down the atmosphere.”