Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's apologies and explanations about a doomed extradition bill have failed to quell political tension, and her departure is now seen by many in the Chinese-ruled city as merely a matter of time in a drawn-out, long goodbye.
On Tuesday, Lam described the bill, which would have allowed people in Hong Kong, with its cherished rule of law, to be sent to mainland China for trial and pave the way for assets to be confiscated, as "dead."
But activists and protest groups said they could not trust her words and are increasing demands for her to officially withdraw the bill and step down.