Protesters in Hong Kong amassed once again on Friday evening, following weeks of demonstrations that involved millions of citizens.
More than 1,000 people gathered in front of the police headquarters after a deadline set by protesters to terminate extradition legislation was not met, according to the Associated Press.
The initial uproar, which began in the beginning of June and involved the largest protests ever seen in Hong Kong, was intended to stop legislation that would grant mainland China the power to extradite citizens of Hong Kong. The protest leaders claim that the extradition bills, which were promoted by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, would greatly infringe on the democratic traditions of Hong Kong.
Lam suspended the bills in light of the protests, but did not completely abandon them, leaving their future uncertain. Protesters on Friday demanded the bills be axed.
Though Hong Kong has been part of China since 1997, they are not currently subject to many of the Communist institutions of the mainland. Citizens of Hong Kong are still subject to an independent judiciary, and extradition to the mainland would subject them to a Communist legal system, possibly putting them at risk of unfair punishment and torture.
Protesters on Friday also called for the Hong Kong police to apologize for use of force they felt was excessive for a largely peaceful protest. The police previously employed use of bean bag rounds and rubber bullets, but were seemingly much more restrained Friday.
