Fugitive Bill Opponents Plan Mass Rally On June 9

The Civil Human Rights Front said on Tuesday that it plans to bring 300,000 people onto the streets to protest against planned extradition law amendments, three days before the government's bill is presented to Legco again on June 12.

The pro-democracy group also warned that if the government ignores the message and refuses to drop the bill, it will arrange for protesters to surround Legco when the bill is being debated.

The group said it was not worried about fall in numbers due protest fatigue, saying there is a lot of anger on the streets and they believe the people will turn up for the rallies.

The group said it also plans to set up more than 200 street booths in the coming weeks to explain to the public the concerns surrounding the extradition laws.

The front's convenor, Jimmy Sham, called on the Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, to fulfil her election pledge and listen to the people's concerns.

He said Lam should withdraw the bill rather than forcing people into taking radical action.

Opponents of the law changes say they will put Hongkongers, including political activists and journalists who are critical of Beijing, at the mercy of the mainland's legal system.

The government says the law amendments are needed to stop Hong Kong from becoming a haven for criminals from the mainland and abroad.