This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's annual address to the Legislative Council was disrupted by opposition lawmakers, marking a first in the city's history.
Opposition lawmakers shouted and projected slogans behind Lam, including the words 'Five demands – not one less,' as she began her speech. The protesters had stormed the Legislative Council in July, and this was the first opportunity for the council to withdraw the extradition bill that had sparked months of protests.
After a first interruption, the session resumed, but was interrupted again. The session was then suspended, and Lam delivered the address by video instead.
As a result, the extradition bill could not be withdrawn formally, despite Lam's earlier promise to suspend it in July.
Opposition lawmaker Tanya Chan blamed Lam for Hong Kong's troubles, saying, 'Both her hands are soaked with blood.' She called for Lam to withdraw and quit, citing her lack of governance ability.
Pro-establishment lawmakers condemned the interruption, saying the address was important for Hong Kong's economic future.
After the assembly was suspended, a pre-recorded speech was made available on the Legco website instead.
