Hong Kong Authorities Clear More Protest Sites | WPN World People News

Hong Kong authorities have cleared street barricades at a protest site where pro-democracy demonstrators have camped for nearly two months.

Bailiffs backed by dozens of police removed the obstructions early Tuesday from Argyle Street, in the Mong Kok district.

The protesters did not initially resist, and instead stood nearby yelling at police. But some later obstructed the police, who arrested several people.

One demonstrator, 78-year-old Ng Boon-duk, said he is not afraid to be arrested.

"If I were arrested and sent to prison, the sacrifice I make will be much bigger than protesting on the streets. I would like to make bigger sacrifices," said Ng.

It is the second time in as many weeks that authorities have acted on a court order to clear parts of the protests.

Local media said officials are planning to clear a larger section of the Mong Kok demonstration site, near Nathan Road, on Wednesday.

The protests have shrunk in recent weeks, and organizers are struggling to find ways to reenergize the so-called Occupy Movement.

The three co-founders of the movement say they plan to surrender next month to authorities, who have declared the protests illegal.

Several recent public opinion polls suggest the protests are beginning to lose public support.

The demonstrators have been calling for fully democratic elections in 2017. They took to the streets after China ruled in August that all candidates for chief executive must first be approved by a committee that is stacked with pro-Beijing loyalists.

Source: Voice of America