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Protesters occupy part of Hong Kong International Airport to rally overseas support against extradition bill

  • Foreign travellers targeted by demonstrators seeking to win global support for anti-government movement
  • An estimated 15,000 people, including aviation workers, join protest that leads to increased security at international airport

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Airport workers and other protesters stage a sit-in at Hong Kong International Airport demanding the complete withdrawal of the divisive extradition bill. Photo: Winson Wong
Aviation workers were among an estimated 15,000 protesters who staged a sit-in at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday in a bid to win international support for the movement against the now-suspended extradition bill.
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Dressed in black, the demonstrators gathered in the global transport hub’s arrival hall, aiming to enlighten foreign travellers about their anti-government campaign.

Ahead of the peaceful afternoon protest, airport bosses arranged extra security and encouraged passengers to allow plenty of time for their journeys; but no flights had been disrupted as of 4pm Hong Kong time (4am US Eastern time), with the rally ongoing.

“We want to share this news with tourists, to let the world know about Hong Kong,” said one of the protest’s co-organisers, a flight attendant who declined to give her name.

A Lennon Wall emblazoned with messages of support for the anti-government movement was installed at the airport sit-in. Photo: Winson Wong
A Lennon Wall emblazoned with messages of support for the anti-government movement was installed at the airport sit-in. Photo: Winson Wong
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The political storm triggered by the bill has resulted in weeks of street protests and clashes and put the city in the international spotlight.

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