Nine Arrested Over Sit-in Protest At Govt HQ

Police arrested nine people on Friday, including members of pro-democracy group Demosisto, following a sit-in protest at the government's headquarters over planned changes to legislation on extraditions.

Five women, including two Lingnan University students, had tussled with security guards when they first went into the east wing building. During the chaos, a female guard fell to the ground and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

When the situation calmed down, the five sat on the floor next to the main doors and the security guards simply looked on.

But later the police turned up in force and arrested the five, carrying them outside one-by-one and putting them in a police van. Four of their supporters, who had remained outside the building, were also arrested.

The protesters had accused the authorities of turning a deaf ear to opposition to the planned law changes, with concerns raised that people surrendered to the mainland would not be able to receive a fair trial.

The government says a recent murder case in Taiwan exposed the need for two of the SAR's ordinances to be amended, because the prime suspect returned to Hong Kong and cannot currently be sent back to the island to face justice.

The demonstrators said instead of changing the law to allow extraditions on a case-by-case basis to any jurisdiction in the world, the administration should simply come up with a one-off arrangement with Taiwan over the murder.

The government later issued a statement condemning the protesters' action. A spokesman said that while the administration respects people's right to freedom of expression, it also has to ensure the smooth, effective and safe operation of its headquarters.

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