In a raucous press conference in the morning on Aug. 13, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam was criticized by a reporter for evading a question about the withdrawal of the now-suspended extradition bill.
“In terms of withdrawing the bill, using this specific term, which the protesters have called for, do you as Hong Kong’s leader have the autonomy to decide to withdraw the bill, yes or no, or is this something that Beijing has to approve as well? In other words, have your hands been tied by Beijing in not allowing the bill being withdrawn?” asked a Reuters reporter.
