After months of violent protests in Hong Kong,... its leader Carrie Lam has finally, fully withdrawn the controversial bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China.
The latest decision marks a dramatic U-turn for Lam,... who for months had refused to withdraw the bill.
Lee Seung-jae has more on this story.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has finally withdrawn the controversial extradition bill,... which had triggered months of often violent protests in the city.
The announcement came on Wednesday,... in a televised public address by the Chief Executive.
"First, on withdrawing the Bill. On June 15 I announced that the Bill was suspended and later reiterated that "the Bill is dead" and that all the legislative work had come to a complete halt."
However, Lam refused to give ground on the protesters' four other demands,... which include dropping charges against the protesters.
"Fourth, on dropping charges against protesters and rioters and shelving prosecutions. I have explained that this is contrary to the rule of law, and is not acceptable. It also goes against the Basic Law, which states that criminal prosecutions must be handled by the Department of Justice, free from any interference."
Lam had initially suspended the extradition bill in June. But that suspension of the bill did not satisfy the protesters,... who demanded the bill's complete withdrawal.
In the past few weeks,... the protests have become increasingly violent,... as the young protesters felt the government was refusing to even consider their demands.
However,... one pro-Beijing lawmaker says Lam's withdrawal may not stem their anger,... because the movement has now become about more than just the bill.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong leader has denied that she had offered to resign over her handling of the crisis,... despite a leaked recording released on Monday indicating she could possibly quit.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.