Hong Kong formally scraps extradition bill that sparked protests

Hong Kong has officially withdrawn the controversial extradition bill that sparked months of violent protests in the city.

"I now formally announce the withdrawal of the bill," Secretary for Security John Lee told the city's legislature on Wednesday. 

It comes on the same day that a murder suspect at the heart of the extradition case controversy was released from prison.

Chan Tong-kai, who is wanted for killing his partner in Taiwan, was released after serving a separate sentence for money laundering.

It comes a month after Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced plans to withdraw the bill formally.