Fresh Protests Force Hong Kong to Postpone Extradition Bill Debate

Thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets surrounding Hong Kong’s legislature Wednesday morning, choking major thoroughfares with barricades and human chains, and prompting the government to abruptly postpone a planned debate over a divisive extradition law.

As the turnout swelled, the head of the Legislative Council put off the 11 a.m. debate to an “unspecified later time to be determined by him,” according to an official statement. However, protesters remain at the scene, along with a massive police presence. Demonstrators donned goggles and masks to protect themselves from pepper spray, and started up chants of “Scrap the law!” According to local media reports, some have been seen breaking up pavement and stockpiling bricks in anticipation of battles with the riot police.

The city has boiled over into massive protests in recent days as the government attempts to fast-track controversial legislation that would, for the first time, allow fugitives to be sent to mainland China. The bill has ignited fears about the former British colony’s continued autonomy—promised after its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997—and also underscored the depth of anxiety over its relationship to Beijing.

Hundreds of young demonstrators staged an overnight protest Tuesday in the park abutting the Legislative Council, spreading tarps and sleeping bags over wet grass, undeterred by the bouts of rain.

“By staying here overnight we are reminding the legislators that there are people who oppose this law,” says a woman who gave her name as Ms. Ho and who had set up one of three yellow tents adjacent to the government complex. She doesn’t hold out much hope of convincing legislators to backdown from the bill, “But at least I can say I came out and fought for the next generation,” she added.

In the morning, streams of fellow protesters clad in black and white joined the campers in a show of defiance against the extradition bill. The government is standing by the proposed legislation despite today’s protests and a massive march on Sunday through the heart of the financial hub.

“We were quite disappointed after Sunday. It’s like all these people came out to march and the government just doesn’t give a shit,” says Chloe Cheng, a 25-year-old speech therapist.

“I do feel like it is a last battle. I think if all these people come out and say no and the government still passes the law, it shows that they can and will do whatever they want,” she added.

Tensions have been escalating since the government announced the bill would go to a vote next week, all but guaranteeing its passage in a legislature dominated by pro-Beijing lawmakers.

A citywide strike was called Wednesday with trade unions, teachers, businesses and others circulating the social media notice for a June 12 boycott.

The extradition bill is the latest flashpoint in a city seething with frustration as civil liberties ebb under the growing influence of China’s Communist Party. Amid Beijing’s more strident efforts to integrate Hong Kong—disbanding a pro-independence political party, instituting Chinese rule of law at a new high-speed railway terminus in Hong Kong and criminalizing mocking China’s national anthem—the bill has become a showdown for the unique freedoms that continue to differentiate the city from the mainland.

The bill would make it easier for criminal suspects to stand trial on the mainland, where the conviction rate is 98% or higher. Hong Kong’s government says the legislative change will close a loophole excluding the mainland from extradition agreements and prevent the enclave from becoming a haven for criminals. But critics fear it will be used to stifle dissent and effectively legalize Beijing’s recent, high-profile kidnappings of booksellers and fugitives.

“It is completely ridiculous and goes against the core values of Hong Kong…democracy and rule of law. If this bill passes, there will be no rule of law, and no democracy,” says Wong Yae Ching, 25, one of the overnight protesters.

The latest attempts to paralyze Hong Kong through acts of civil disobedience—and the young demographic leading the charge—recall the pro-democracy demonstrations that shook the city during 2014’s “Umbrella Movement.” That uprising began with calls to “occupy Central” and already Wednesday’s sit-in around the legislature is being dubbed “Occupy 2.0.”

“We’re furious, we’re angry, and some of us are afraid, but we’re here anyway. This is a chance to do something important,” says Laurie Wen, a 48-year-old writer working on a book about the Umbrella Movement.

Five years ago protesters also flooded Harcourt Road and squared off with columns of riot police, but ultimately their demands were thwarted and Beijing has tightened its grip over the territory ever since.

Opposition to the extradition bill has galvanized an even wider segment of Hong Kong society, including groups that normally abstain from the city’s frequent marches and rallies. Business associations, housewives, lawyers groups, church leaders and the horse racing community have all vocally opposed the bill.

“It’s an identity issue for Hong Kong,” says Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong-based lawyer and the author of a book about dissent in the city. “The government is threatening to take away part of those rights and freedoms that make up what they see as being part of the core identity of being a Hongkonger and I think that’s why it evokes such a visceral reaction from so many people… cutting across socioeconomic and other divides.”

Several people who said they had never joined a protest before told TIME they felt moved by the coverage of police clashing with protesters and trying to clear large crowds.

“We have to come out now because we may no longer have any chance to come out again,” says Lillian Lam, a 26-year-old grad student and first-time protester.

Authorities have reiterated calls for protesters to express their demands peacefully, but some say they have been left no recourse as they face an outcome that no amount of public outcry can seemingly alter.

“Over a million people came out to march. In other countries the government would pay attention to that. Not in Hong Kong. Is that because the Hong Kong demonstrators are too peaceful?” says Karen Chan, a 21-year-old student who joined the overnight protest along with a group of friends. “The government is not afraid and not listening.”

Police have said they have “sufficient manpower” to deal with any threat Wednesday. Thousands of officers have been deployed, many with batons, riot shields and firearms, while dozens of police vans on standby are parked on arterial roads leading up to the legislature.

Speaking after the debate was postponed, 24-year-old Benjamin Chen says, “It is great that they are now taking more time to reconsider,” but added that the delay cannot be considered a victory. Protesters want the bill to be cancelled, he says. “I think most of the protestors will stay out on the street to wait to see how the government responds.”

Many appeared ready for a stakeout, pledging to occupy the government complex until the extradition bill is retracted.

“We will fight until the end. That is the Hong Kong spirit,” says Henry Tse, 30.

—With reporting by Aria Hangyu Chen, Amy Gunia and Hillary Leung / Hong Kong