Hunger-strikers Throw Down Gauntlet Over Bill

A group of anti-extradition hunger strikers said on Wednesday that they'll extend their fast indefinitely, until the government addresses their demands and withdraws the bill completely, rather than just saying suspending it.

Some of them have been fasting for more than a week in Admiralty, by a footbridge to government headquarters.

They say they're in good health and people are welcome to join them.

Pastor Roy Chan, who's from a church in Sheung Shui, was the first to start fasting, and he criticised the government for not bothering to talk to the group even though it was just near by.

Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung was with the hunger strikers when they met the media, and he decided to join the action on the spot.

"I'm completely moved by their action and I'm also very worried that they just announced [that they intend] to conduct the hunger strike indefinitely. I'm worried about their health," Cheung said.

He said he would try to join the hunger strikers as much as possible when he didn't have to fulfil his duties as a legislator.