홍콩 민간인권전선, 31일 송환법 반대시위 취소…충돌위기 넘겨
Over in Hong Kong.
A huge pro-democracy protest was scheduled this weekend to coincide with the anniversary of the Umbrella Movement a few years ago.
But it's canceled last minute over security concerns.
Lee Kyungeun has the latest.
Calling off the demonstration planned for Saturday, organizers said the most important thing was to safeguard the public's safety, both physically and legally.
The cancellation was largely affected following the announcement by authorities banning the protests on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the arrest of Joshua Wong on Friday morning had also seemingly contributed to the decision to cancel.
Prominent pro-democracy activist and the founder of political party Demosisto, Wong was arrested along with his fellow party member Agnes Chow for organizing unauthorized assembly.
Wong and Chow were later released on bail.
Leaving the city court, Wong reaffirmed his strong will to continue the fight.
"We still keep our fight, we shall not surrender. I urge the international community to send a clear message to President Xi, sending troops and sending emergency order is not the way how it works. We will continue our fight no matter how they arrest and prosecute us."`
The protests, sparked by a controversial extradition bill, have gone on for more than 80 days now, making them the longest in Hong Kong's history.
Safety concerns have intensified since last week's police crackdown and the arrival of fresh troops from mainland China on Thursday.
Lee Kyungeun, Arirang News.
