Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam renewed an appeal to pro-democracy protesters to halt violence and engage in dialogue. Lam said the escalation of violence, where over 150 people including students were detained in clashes since Friday, will deepen rifts and prolong the road to recovery.
She said her decision to formally withdraw the extradition bill and other initiatives reflected her sincerity to heal society and bring back peace. But she stressed the government cannot condone violence and will strictly enforce the law.
Lam reiterated that attempts by Washington and other foreign nations to interfere in Hong Kong’s internal affairs over freedom and civil liberties in the city were totally unnecessary. The government last week promised to axe an extradition bill that sparked three months of protests but failed to placate protesters, whose demands also include democratic reforms and police accountability.
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