Crowds Gather For March Against Extradition Bill

People have begun gathering in Victoria Park for this afternoon's march against the government's extradition bill, which is due to begin around 3 o'clock.

Police have erected barriers along the route, and security has also been increased around the Legislative Council, where the rally is due to finish. Organisers expect hundreds of thousands of people will take part.

Several pro-independence groups have called on demonstrators to stay behind after the march ends, saying on social media that they will make "a major announcement". The rally's organisers have called for a peaceful demonstration.

The bill will allow suspects to be surrendered to other jurisdictions - including the mainland - on a case-by-case basis.

The government says it's needed to fill a legal loophole, but many people - including in the pro-establishment business community - fear it could be abused by mainland authorities.

Meanwhile thousands of people have staged rallies across Australia to show solidarity with the SAR in opposing the bill. They were held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth. They are among about 30 cities across the world that will hold similar rallies.