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Hong Kong police move in against protest zone

 
Pro-democ­racy notes outside Hong Kong’s government complex draw a woman’s attention Thursday. Other protests, however, have drawn attention from police.
Pro-democ­racy notes outside Hong Kong’s government complex draw a woman’s attention Thursday. Other protests, however, have drawn attention from police.
Published Oct. 17, 2014

HONG KONG — Riot police moved in on a Hong Kong pro-democracy protest zone in a dawn raid today, taking down barricades, tents and canopies that have blocked key streets for more than two weeks.

More than 100 police, some in helmets and shields, descended this morning at the busy district of Mong Kok, an offshoot protest zone across the Victoria Harbor from the main occupied area in the city's financial district.

Police surrounded about 30 protesters, who did not put up resistance.

Officers swiftly tore down metal barricades, bamboo and wooden planks used by protesters to block off the streets, and much of the protest zone was cleared in about half an hour.

It was the third dawn operation by police to retake streets from protesters, who have taken over major roads and streets in the city center since Sept. 26 to press for a greater say in choosing Hong Kong's leader.

Tensions between the authorities and the protesters have escalated in the past few days as riot police armed with pepper spray and batons clashed with activists.

Hong Kong's leader tried to soothe tensions with student-led democracy protesters Thursday by reviving an offer of talks.

Chief executive Leung Chun-ying said Thursday the government is ready to meet with student leaders as soon as next week, but reiterated that Beijing will not change its mind on election restrictions. That raised doubts that the proposed meeting can overcome the vast differences between the two sides.