Leader of Hong Kong withdraws extradition bill that sparked mass protests

The leader of Hong Kong announced that she is withdrawing an extradition bill that has sparked mass protests across the area.

Leader Carrie Lam, 62, made the announcement Wednesday. A full withdrawal from the bill, which would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China, was one of the main demands that demonstrators had.

She had previously suspended the bill in July, although protests continued in the streets.

Lam said in a public announcement Wednesday that although the government had responded to protesters’ demands, it “may not be able to address all the grievances of people in society.” She spoke about putting dialogue before violence.

“The government will formally withdraw the bill in order to fully allay public concerns. The Secretary for Security will move a motion according to the Rules of Procedure when the Legislative Council resumes,” Lam said, according to CNBC.