'115,000' Join Anti-extradition March In Sha Tin

Organisers say 115,000 people joined the latest in a series of anti-extradition marches on Sunday afternoon, this time in the New Territories town of Sha Tin.

People gathered on a soccer pitch outside the Che Kung Temple before heading towards the centre of Sha Tin to demand the full withdrawal of the government's now-suspended extradition bill as well as a public inquiry and an amnesty for people arrested during recent protests.

Police put the peak turnout at 28,000.

One marcher, a 15-year-old schoolboy said he was joining the march to demand the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill. He also condemned the policing of recent protests.

"At a previous protest, they used over 150 [cannisters of] tear gas and this is unacceptable," he said. "Also, they used excessive force against the press and against civilians, and I think this is very horrifying. Our government is not responding to all of our requests."

The march on Sunday came just 24 hours after a protest against so-called parallel traders from the mainland in Sheung Shui, which ended with clashes as police used pepper spray and batons on marchers.

Tobias Leung, of march organiser Sha Tin Commons, said he expected the event to be peaceful.

"We have already organised a volunteer team to look around and ensure the safety and the steadiness of the rally," Leung said. "I believe the police will conduct the exercise in a professional manner, and I hope that they will do so."

Earlier, 24 pan-democrat lawmakers signed a statement condemning the policing of Saturday's protest in Sheung Shui and urging officers to show restraint on Sunday.

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