'All Sections Of Society Should Help Protesters'

Democratic Party chief Wu Chi-wai on Thursday called on all sections of society to do their bit to reflect the sentiments of anti-extradition bill protesters and make the government respond to their demands.

"Up to this moment we can see that the government is responding in a reactive way. They should [act] in a proactive way." the lawmaker said.

The protesters have given the Carrie Lam administration a Thursday deadline of 5pm and say they will surround the government's headquarters if their four demands – the bill's withdrawal, a probe into police action, an end to labelling June 12 clashes as a riot and to drop all charges against protesters – are not met.

Wu and Civil Human Rights Front convener Jimmy Sham said they will gather outside Legco on Thursday evening if the planned siege of Tamar goes ahead.

Wu told RTHK's Janice Wong that he has urged all protesters to remain non-violent during their protest and he will be personally working to maintain peace.

Student leaders of major universities said they will also be joining the protesters to surround the government's headquarters if officials fail to meet the four demands.

On June 12, such a gathering eventually led to violent clashes with police who fired 150 rounds of tear gas, rubber bullets and bean bags at protesters.