Hong Kong government withdraws bill that sparked protests

KELVIN CHAN Associated Press HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong authorities on Wednesday withdrew an unpopular extradition bill that sparked months of chaotic protests that have since morphed into a campaign for greater democratic change. Secretary for Security John Lee told the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's legislature that the government suspended the bill because it had resulted in "conflicts in society." In order to clearly spell out the government's position, "I formally announce the withdrawal of the bill," Lee told lawmakers. Pro-democracy lawmakers immediately tried to question him, but he refused to respond. There are no signs that the withdrawal of the bill will dampen the protests, now in their fifth month. The rallies have snowballed into the city's biggest political cris
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