Protesters Throng The Streets For July 1 March

Large crowds braved the searing heat on Monday to join the annual July 1 march, with organisers expecting a bumper turnout amid public anger over the extradition law controversy as well as the police's handling of a protest last month.

Many of the demonstrators were dressed in black, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the blazing sun, with some joining the march en route rather than at the starting point in Victoria Park.

They were demanding a complete withdrawal of the now-suspended extradition bill, and an inquiry into clashes between police and protesters on June 12.

Shortly before the march began, protesters had attempted to storm the Legislative Council and a standoff was continuing there between demonstrators and riot police. There had also been clashes earlier in the day ahead of the July 1 flag-raising ceremony.

In view of the latest violence, march organiser, the Civil Human Rights Front, announced that the procession would be ending in Chater Road in Central, rather than at Legco as originally planned.

The police force had earlier urged the front to either end the march in Wan Chai or to just hold a rally in Victoria Park instead, due to safety considerations.

One man on the march, a researcher surnamed Wong, said he believed the Legco trouble would divert people's attention away from the annual pro-democracy event, but he still thought it was important to take part.

"It's not as useful as the two [protests] before, but I think this march will still express a very important message to the whole world that most of the people, who prefer a more peaceful way to express themselves, they still care about this thing," he said, referring to the extradition bill.

Hong Kong singer and pro-democracy activist Denise Ho said she was on the march to support the young people who have been protesting in various ways in recent weeks against the government's extradition plans.

"Because of what happened this morning and this afternoon, I think it's important that the adults join in to protect these very brave students," Ho said.

Meanwhile, a hospital technician taking part said the last time she had joined the July 1 march was in 2003, when she opposed proposed Article 23 legislation.

She said she believes the current government is worse than the Tung Chee-hwa administration back then, and that the extradition bill has brought more harm to the city than the national security law plans.

The last of the marchers only left Victoria Park at around 5pm, some three hours after the march began. Young people were urging those reaching the end of the march to head to the government's headquarters to support student protesters there.

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