In a dramatic reversal, debate about the controversial legislation, that was due to happen today, has been cancelled, to be rescheduled for a later date to be announced.

Tens of thousands of people pack a Hong Kong street while marching to Hong Kong government headquarters to protest the Hong Kong government’s plans to enact an anti-subversion bill.

Policemen in anti-riot gear stand watch as protesters use umbrellas to shield themselves near the Legislative Council in Hong Kong.

Protestors run near the Legislative Council in Hong Kong as the administration prepared to open debate on a highly controversial extradition law.

Protesters occupy two main highways near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on 12 June as the city braced for another mass rally in a show of strength against the government over a divisive plan to allow extraditions to China.

What is the proposed extradition law?



Hong Kong’s amended extradition law would allow the extradition of suspects to mainland China for the first time. Supporters say the amendments are key to ensuring the city does not become a criminal refuge, but critics worry Beijing will use the law to extradite political opponents and others to China where their legal protections cannot be guaranteed.

The government claims the push to change the law, which would also apply to Taiwan and Macau, stems from the killing last year of a Hong Kong woman while she was in Taiwan with her boyfriend. Authorities in Taiwan suspect the woman’s boyfriend, who remains in Hong Kong, but cannot try him because no extradition agreement is in place.

Under the amended law, those accused of offences punishable by seven years or more in prison could be extradited. The new legislation would give Hong Kong’s leader, known as the chief executive, authority to approve extradition requests, after review by the courts. Hong Kong’s legislature, the legislative council, would not have any oversight over the extradition process.

Why are Hong Kongers so angry about the bill?

Many Hong Kongers fear the proposed extradition law will be used by authorities to target political enemies. They worry the new legislation spells the end of the “one country, two systems” policy, eroding the civil rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents since the handover of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997.

Many attending the protests on Sunday said they could not trust China as it had often used non-political crimes to target government critics, and said they also feared Hong Kong officials would not be able to reject Beijing’s requests.

Legal professionals have also expressed concern over the rights of those sent across the border to be tried. The conviction rate in Chinese courts is as high as 99%. Arbitrary detentions, torture and denial of legal representation of one’s choosing are also common.

Updated at 22.54 BST