HONG KONG: Thousands thronged to the streets of Hong Kong Sunday to oppose a controversial extradition bill proposed to empower China to extradite fugitives from the city. Critics are opposed to the bill as it will leave anyone on Hong Kong soil vulnerable to being arrested by the Chinese authorities for political reasons or any other business offenses.

The bill in question undermines the city’s semi-autonomous legal system. It has created outcry among the city dwellers as they fear arrest and harassment in hands of Chinese authorities.

Usually pro-conservative business community find themselves at receiving hand. Even physical scuffles in the city’s legislature and criticism of the Hong Kong government by the United States and European Union will invite actions from Chinese law enforcement agencies.

The Chinese government defends the bill, ‘It is designed to plug loopholes in existing laws.’ (Agencies)