Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong residents had flocked to the streets to demonstrate against a contentious extradition proposal that might result in citizens being deported to the mainland to face legal proceedings.
According to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the idea is aimed at preventing the territory from becoming a safe haven for criminals. On the other hand, opponents fear that Hong Kong will be subjected to China's defective legal system, thereby eroding the city's judicial independence.