Hong Kong police move in against protest zone

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 early Friday 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 used loudspeakers to tell protesters to leave the site, and there were no clashes between the sides.

Officers swiftly tore down metal barricades, bamboo and wooden planks used by protesters to block 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.

Hundreds of police pushed back protesters as they battled for control for a road near the city's government headquarters. Many in Hong Kong condemned police after officers were seen kicking a handcuffed protester and dragging dozens of others away.

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 soon, but urged them to be pragmatic, reiterating Beijing will not change its mind on election restrictions. That raised doubts the meeting can overcome the their differences.

Protesters oppose the Chinese central government's ruling that a committee stacked with pro-Beijing elites should screen candidates in the territory's first direct election. That effectively means that Beijing can vet candidates before they go to a public vote.