Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced two days ago that her government will formally withdraw an extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trial. Many saw it as a glaring example of the city's eroding autonomy since the former British colony returned to Chinese control in 1997.

But the decision failed to appease protesters who have taken up a new slogan, “Five key demands, not one less.” They want an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality during the protests, the unconditional release of those detained, no more labeling of the protests as riots, and direct elections of the city's leaders.