Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests

Criticism from human rights watchdogs mounted on Friday over the alleged brutality of French police in handling protests opposed to President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform.

French authorities arrested more than 450 people on Thursday in the most violent day of demonstrations since the start of the year against the bill to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

The European Union on Nov. 19 called on all sides in Hong Kong to exercise restraint and said that any violence is "unacceptable".

As a result, parts of public transport, schools and many businesses will be closed following the escalation of expected violence.

Hong Kong authorities have formally withdrawn the controversial bill that allowed the extradition of citizens to mainland China, fulfilling one of five demands of pro-democracy protesters, BTA reported.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologized on Oct. 21 after police hit a major mosque with water cannon as they battled protesters during another day of political unrest in the Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong's under-fire leader Carrie Lam on Oct. 8 said China intervening to end months of pro-democracy protests is an option following a particularly violent week of unrest that paralysed the city.

Hundreds of high school students formed human chains on the streets of Hong Kong today in support of the anti-government protests following a week of clashes in the Chinese-ruled metropolis, Reuters reported.

The metro stations, which were closed yesterday during violent clashes between protesters and police, have reopened today.

The protesters in Hong Kong succeeded. The leader of an autonomous Chinese city has announced that the controversial extradition law will be withdrawn.

Hong Kong's embattled leader announced on Sept. 4 she will permanently shelve a loathed extradition bill that lit the fuse for three months of pro-democracy protests which have plunged the city into crisis.    

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Sept. 1, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the worst violence in three months of anti-government protests.