There are some estimates suggesting that this weekend saw as many as 1 million people take to the streets in Hong Kong to protest the upcoming extradition bill that many believe will erode liberty for those in the region.
The upcoming bill is expected to make changes that would allow residents in Hong Kong to be tried in China, a change that has sparked massive protest with people both young and old who fear the worst might result from the change. They are concerned that it would give rise to unfair trials and that it would erode legal protections and liberty for those individuals that are targeted by the mainland.
The protest has been dubbed the last fight for Hong Kong, and it's been referred to as the biggest rally to take place challenging China's authority since 1997.
If there were as many as 1 million then that would mean that 1 individual for every 7 residents had come out to the streets to protest.
Authority leaders have refused to withdraw the bill however and the leader of Hong Kong's legislative council has indicated that they are still determined to make the changes and pass the new bill.
They maintain that perhaps there is such widespread opposition to the bill because people aren't understanding what's being proposed, even if those opponents include many judges and lawyers from the region.
The intention behind the bill is allegedly that they don't want Hong Kong to be a "fugitive offenders haven", but this is obviously worrisome to many who know that this power could be abused and peaceful people harmed as a result for victimelss crimes. Protesters not only voiced concern against the bill but they are also calling for the Hong Kong Chief Executive to resign over the controversy, but she isn't ready to bow to the pressure yet.
