By Tevfik Durul
ANKARA (AA) - Thousands gathered in Hong Kong to support democracy holding a giant march to protest the bill for extradition to China and the violence of the police to the protesters on Sunday.
The march, organized by the Civilian Human Rights Front, one of the largest activist groups in the region, was attended by mostly young people.
Protesters shouting slogans "No to extradition to China", "Free Hong Kong", "Independent investigation to the police" and "Democracy now" reacted to the Beijing administration, which they accused of intervening in Hong Kong's autonomy.
At the end of the march, the activists gathered outside the police station and continued to chant slogans.
Police forces around the police station surrounded giant barriers, reinforcing iron bars in case the angry crowd tried to enter the center.
Yesterday pro-government protestors in Hong Kong also gathered in front of the city center holding demonstrations against activist groups.
The autonomous region which is under China’s control since 1997 is witnessing protests since early June against the local government’s move to legalize extradition to mainland China, Macao and Taiwan.
Hong Kong is witnessing protests since early July against the local government led by Chief Executive Carrie Lam for proposed changes to existing extradition law.
The bill -- which proposed to legalize the extradition of the detained suspects to mainland China, Macao, and Taiwan -- was declared “dead” by Lam after intense protests and million marches by people.
At present, the region has an extradition treaty with 20 countries including the U.S. and New Zealand.
Millions of people have held marches to stop the government from doing so. Under pressure from the public, the government on June 15 postponed the reading of the bill in its legislative council.
Previously, police arrested at least 13 protesters on several charges.
* Writing by Dilara Hamit