Hong Kong leader apologises for Bill fracas, refuses to quit

Hong Kong: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised on Tuesday for the political unrest that shook Hong Kong, but the pro-Beijing chief executive refused to cave in to demands for her resignation.

The semi-autonomous territory was plunged into its biggest crisis in decades, with millions of people taking to the streets to demand the withdrawal of proposed legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

Lam suspended the Bill on Saturday after two massive rallies that saw isolated bouts of violence between the police and some protesters.

But that failed to quell public anger, and an even bigger rally on Sunday drew over two million people, organisers said — more than a quarter of the population.

“I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This has led to controversies, disputes and anxieties in society,” Lam said.

“For this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong.”

Protesters demanded that the Bill be fully withdrawn, and Lam step down and probe police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. They also asked for all charges to be dropped against anyone detained during the protests.