Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has apologized to the public as swarms of people - dressed in black - marched through the city on Sunday (June 16), protesting her controversial extradition bill and calling for her to step down.
Lam indefinitely delayed the bill on Saturday in a dramatic retreat. But it wasn't enough to stop this 'sea of black' descending onto the streets.
REUTERS' JAMES POMFRET SAYING:
''To be honest, everyone I spoke to today was in no mood to give her a second chance. The protestors today are absolutely peaceful. There's no violence at all, But they are angry and they are indignant. And they are not happy at all with Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam.''
It was a different story earlier this week when demonstrators were met with tear gas and rubber bullets from Hong Kong police.
More than 70 people were injured, prompting Sunday's demonstrators to bring along banners like these, asking police not to shoot.
PROTESTOR:
''It's a very saddening time. But it's good that we can see people getting united and they all stand together as one.''
White ribbons and flowers appeared among the sea of placards...
They're for this man who's been hailed a martyr after he fell to his death on Saturday (June 15) while protesting from the top of a building.
REUTERS' JAMES POMFRET SAYING:
''He's been put forward as a symbol of the failures of governance of chief executive Carrie Lam. They say this is blood on her hands. And I think it's another lightening rod that is further energizing the crowds and further allowing the crowds to come together against her and the government.''
Lam's proposed bill would allow the extradition of people in Hong Kong - both locals and foreigners - to stand trial on charges in China.
Opponents are concerned it could threaten the rule of law that underpins Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub.
The protests are also the largest in Hong Kong since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.
Organizers say the protest turnout reached nearly two million. Police say it was 338,000 "at its peak.'' (Reuters)
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