Hong Kong averts airport protest

Hong Kong, September 7

Authorities mounted a security blitz at and near the Hong Kong airport on Saturday, averting a second straight weekend of disruptions by pro-democracy activists who have refused to yield even after gaining a concession from the government this week.

Police mounted road checks and inspected passengers on trains and buses heading to the airport to weed out protesters. The express train service to the airport was limited, running to and from downtown Hong Kong but skipping all stations in between.

Only people with plane tickets were allowed to enter the terminals, and those milling around an adjoining bus terminal were chased off.

Hong Kong’s airport has been a frequent target during a summer of protests sparked by an extradition bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial. — AP

Raising voice against Chinese autonomy

The extradition bill is being seen as an example of the Chinese territory’s eroding autonomy. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had announced on Wednesday that her government would withdraw the bill, but that failed to appease protesters.