The Catalan independence movement has celebrated the decision by the chief executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, to definitively withdraw the controversial extradition law, in the face of ongoing protests. This means the Hong Kong protest movement has achieved its first objective.
A number of politicians and public figures from Catalonia have highlighted the event on social media, citing it as a reference point. This comes a week before the annual mass pro-independence rally on the Diada, Catalonia's national day on 11th September.
President Quim Torra, for example, wrote: "I celebrate that the tenacity, persistence and determination of the people of Hong Kong has achieved its first objective. Now it's necessary to stop the repression and listen to the other democratic demands. An example for all peoples."
JxCat's spokesperson in the Madrid Congress, Laura Borràs: "Very important piece of news. Mass protests work in some corners of the world. However, speaking of the refusals from the Spanish governments to grant a referendum in which the people can decide their future, why should democracy be applied if you can apply the criminal code?"
Former Catalan Parliament deputy Albano-Dante Fachin, who resigned as secretary general of Podemos Catalonia when the party thought him too sympathetic to independence supporters: "However uncomfortable it may make some, this is the thing with tsunamis. If they manage to with CHINA, they can with the green Bourbon and the thieves of the IBEX [stock exchange]."
Vice-president of Òmnium Marcel Mauri: "Civil disobedience and non-violent struggle in defence of rights and freedoms is not only necessary, but it is, ever more, essential. The protesters and activists of Hong Kong are an example of dignity and compromise."