Staff reporters
PUBLISHED : Monday, 13 October, 2014, 7:42am
UPDATED : Saturday, 18 October, 2014, 2:15pm



Protesters complain about the truck drivers' action. Photo: Jeffie Lam

2.10pm: An aerial view of the scene in Admiralty, as chaotic scenes unfold:


An aerial view of the scene in Admiralty. Photo: SCMP Pictures.

2pm: Chief executive Leung Chun-ying met the press in Guangzhou as the chaos in Admiralty was beginning to unfold.

He says it is “a matter of common sense” that it is the police commander at the scene – and not him – that made the decision to fire tear gas at Occupy protesters on September 28.

Leung was asked to explain his remark in a television interview on Sunday that he did not make the decision to fire tear gas. “As the head of the government, I should be concerned for all matters in the government, but the head does not make orders to police officers taking action in the streets. This is common sense.”

He also reiterates that he will not resign “and there is no need to resign”. Asked what he thinks about a popular view that his resignation will solve the political problem. Leung says: “It is not about the person. Whoever takes the chief executive’s position has to abide by the Basic Law and the decisions of the National People’s Congress. I have made it clear my heart will follow this.”

Leung will not say whether there is a deadline for protesters to retreat before a clearance action is taken, saying the disturbance to shops and traffic “cannot last forever”. The government and police have exercised “the greatest restraint”, he says, noting that district councilors have failed to persuade protesters to retreat.

It remains to be seen how much of the protest site in Admiralty is left however …

1.56pm: Some truck drivers forcibly remove barricades and protesters' tents on Queensway outside Pacific Place.

Occupy protesters complain that the drivers are removing their private property while police turn a blind eye.


Truck drivers clear barricades in Admiralty. Photo: Jeffie Lam



1.54pm: Taxi drivers appear to be working in tandem with the mob of masked men as the group marches to Cotton Tree Drive. Some 10 taxis have arrived on the scene, with drivers pressing horns and groups of middle-aged men joining the anti-Occupy group.

Police reinforcements have arrived, built up a cordon line, and stopped the group removing barricades.

Police erected banners saying “Police Cordon. Do Not Cross” during a confrontation.

Right now, more than 200 men are gathering at the scene. Some are waving placards saying “Support police to enforce the law”.

1.45pm: Some photos of the masked men at work in Admiralty:


Masked men attempt to remove barriers. Photo: Samuel Chan


Police keep masked men and protesters apart. Photo: Samuel Chan



1.30pm: Police make arrests after a group of masked men – estimated to be 500-strong – attacks Occupy protesters in Admiralty and attempts to remove barriers.

Television footage shows one member of the group being ordered to drop a knife to the ground by police.



1.20pm: A group of anti-Occupy protesters from the pro-Beijing New Territories Association of Societies turns up in front of Civic Square.

"Your movement has affected many people's livelihood over the past week and lots of drivers have lost their jobs," they chant.

"Hongkongers hate you all."

The Occupy camp responds with boos, hisses and an airing of the by now familiar happy birthday song.


Anti-Occupy protesters converge on Civic Square. Photo: Jeffie Lam

1.12pm: Things are looking greener than usual on Connaught Road, near to the Admiralty protest site:

1.10pm: The self-appointed traffic wardens of the Occupy movement are taking some flak from drivers and passersby as they stop vehicles on Queensway in front of Pacific Place.

"I used to support you, and empathise with you, now I hate you," yells a man in a blue shirt and black trousers, claiming that no Central and Western district residents support the protests anymore.

Protesters are letting cars through the makeshift checkpoint one by one.

A police officer in plain clothes and a negotiator are also there. They say they just want to make sure the protesters and drivers are safe.


Members of the public berate self-appointed traffic wardens in Admiralty at a protesters' checkpoint. Photo: Alan Yu

1.05pm: Next Media chairman Jimmy Lai Chee-ying might apply for a court injunction to stop anti-Apple Daily protesters from blocking the delivery of the newspapers, according to online programme host Li Wai-ling.

Her programme Hammer Out is broadcast on the daily's website every weekday.

12.56pm: The government rejects the protesters’ request to reopen the “Civic Square” at government headquarters in Admiralty.

“A mass gathering [at the forecourt] will seriously affect the operations of the government headquarters and constitute safety risks to the headquarters and surrounding areas,” the government says in a statement. “Therefore the government will not consider the request to reopen the forecourt”.

The statement is a response to student protesters’ demand that the Civic Square must be reopened to the public by 5pm tomorrow, as a condition in exchange for protesters’ withdrawal from Queensway, a main road linking Wan Chai, Admiralty and Central.

The forecourt at the East Wing of the headquarters “is mainly used for vehicular access and as a drop-off point”, the government adds.

It will stick to the present arrangement, under which the public must apply for approval for staging a protest or demonstration at the square, which are allowed only between 10am and 6.30pm on Sunday and public holidays. Public passage through the square to the government buildings and the Legislative Council complex is also disabled daily from 11pm to 6am, except for journalists and staff.

The government urges protesters to stop occupying the roads and retreat to places like Tamar Park, the Central harbourfront, Victoria Park and Macpherson Playground in Mong Kok, and says officials will work to coordinate with them if protesters are willing to do so.

12.50pm: Here’s Harry’s View today …


Harry's View on Monday.

12.45pm: Protesters prevent Secretary for Transport and Housing Anthony Cheung Bing-leung from entering the Chief Executive’s Office in his car.

"You also fought for democracy, but now are you against the people?" protester Chan Po-ying says, telling Cheung that he can walk through the barricade freely, but his vehicle would not be allowed to pass.

Cheung's car drives away after the protesters refuse to budge.

Cheung championed democracy, having supported the idea that Hong Kong should return to China under a democratic system before the handover from Britain in 1997.

12.40pm: Ethnic minorities taking part in the Occupy protests have become victims not only of verbal assault from those against the movement, but racial discrimination.

Bani, also known by his Chinese name "Ribena", says he has been frequently taunted by anti-Occupy passersby for his South Asian ethnicity.

As he was guarding a barricade in Mong Kok on Monday morning, a Post reporter witnessed a barrage of racist insults thrown at him by middle-aged men against the Occupy movement, ranging from derogatory remarks about his skin colour to statements such as "Go home and cook curry."

"They keep saying I should go home, it's not my business, because I am not a Hongkonger and this is a dispute only between Chinese people," he says, in fluent Cantonese. "This is not right. I have been here 30 years and am as much a Hongkonger as they all are."

Bani says he supports the students' fight for democracy and a better society. He feels racial discrimination is getting more serious in the city in general.


Bani, who works in sales, says he was at the protest ground to offer support and protection to the students. Photo: Ernest Kao

12.30pm: Protesters have just finished building barriers made of bamboo scaffolding at Performing Arts Avenue in Admiralty after two hours' work under the scorching sun.

A volunteer who gives her name as Lilian says they set up the blockade to prevent police from clearing the protest site.

"We woke up to the news that police have removed barriers on Harcourt Road, so we decided to block this road to ensure the safety of protesters," she says.

Volunteers say the bamboo poles were taken from a rubbish pile at a construction site on Performing Arts Avenue.


Bamboo reinforcements in Admiralty. Photo: Kathy Gao

12.20pm: Janitor Tommy Wong, a volunteer at the Mong Kok camp, says police attempted to dismantle barricades on Mong Kok Road at around 5am but were stopped by protesters.

"I do not agree with police removing the barricades at all. It will compromise the safety of protesters and pedestrians. What if a car rushes in as happened two weeks ago?" he says.

He says police did not consult protesters before carrying out their operation.

In a statement, the force urged protesters to "follow police instructions, and not obstruct police operations or charge police officers."


Behind the barricades in Mong Kok. Photo: Nora Tam

12.05pm: Queensway is open to traffic again, but drivers first have to pass a checkpoint manned by protesters.

The impromptu traffic wardens confirm the road is open again, as long as vehicles aren't going to Central.

Cars can drive north to get to the area by the Lippo Centre.

Several truck drivers have passed and it seems like more drivers are finding out about this route. An ambulance with its sirens on has just passed.


Protesters stop cars at a checkpoint on Queensway. Photo: Alan Yu


Queensway is open to traffic - but it must first pass a checkpoint manned by protesters. Photo: Alan Yu

11.45am: A 70-year old man is guarding the barricades at Lung Wui Road in Admiralty, which so far remain intact.

"I'm here as there is nobody looking after this battlefront,” says the man, who gives his name as "Uncle Wong".

"I might not be able to stop the police from doing anything, but at least I could notify other protesters to come over and share the message on Facebook ... to keep everyone safe."

Wong has spent at least 13 days and nights in Admiralty since the occupation kicked off on September 28.

"I do not want to see our next generation living in a community without justice, freedom and equality," he says.


"Uncle Wong" mans the barricades at Lung Wo Road in Admiralty. Photo: Jeffie Lam

11.30am: Most police have left Harcourt Road, with only around a dozen remaining:


Around a dozen police remained on Harcourt Road as noon approached. Photo: Kathy Gao

Meanwhile, protesters at the Admiralty site are reinforcing the barricades there with bamboo scaffolding:


Protesters reinforce barricades in Admiralty. Photo: Edward Wong


Tents remain standing at the main protest site in Admiralty. Photo: Edward Wong

11.15am: A summary of events so far this morning:

In Mong Kok, police failed in an attempt to remove barricades at the junction of Mong Kok Road and Nathan Road. A single lane allowing traffic on Mong Kok Road to move east which opened several days ago is still in use.

Police did however manage to remove the barricades at Argyle Street and Shanghai Street, allowing traffic to flow from the previously closed off street into Argyle Street. Vehicles can now turn left from Portland Street into Argyle Street. Police say they have completed their operation in Mong Kok.

Near the Admiralty protest site, where the police operation is ongoing, barriers have been removed on Des Voeux Road Central and Chater Road in Central.

Police have cordoned off eastbound traffic on Chater Road but reopened westbound traffic. Vehicles from both ends can drive to Jackson Road then go west along Connaught Road Central.

Police have urged protesters to leave the area.


Protesters discuss strategies to prevent police from further removing barricades on Harcourt Road. Photo: Kathy Gao

11.10am: Some 40 protesters concerned by events in Admiralty have rushed to the protest site in Causeway Bay to guard barricades there

Kelvin Lee, a 42-year-old engineer, is helping to fortify barricades by adding plastic cables.

“People say they will stay here no matter what,” he says. “We saw some police here this morning, towards where the tram lines are, but apart from that, so far things look safe.”

Amy Chan, a 38-year-old social worker, came to provide back-up this morning. “I worry about this station,” she says. “Many people need to work so it’s lacking manpower.”

Among the usual bustle of curious onlookers are a nurse and her wheelchair-bound 105-year-old boss who wants to see the occupation despite his deteriorating health. The elderly gentlemen, named Jing, asked his nurse to take him to see the protests this morning.

11am: Chief executive Leung Chun-ying gave the press pack the slip in Guangzhou last night by changing hotels at the last minute, say reporters covering the Pan-Pearl River Delta Development Forum.

Leung is due back in Hong Kong early this afternoon.

10.40am: Scholarism convenor Joshua Wong Chi-fung is celebrating his 18th birthday today. He listed his birthday wishes on his Facebook page in the early hours of this morning:

1. Protests continue to be peaceful.
2. Demonstrators maintain willpower to continue their protest.
3. National People’s Congress revokes its decision on electoral reform.

The post has attracted more than 16,000 "likes".


Mong Kok on Monday morning. Photo: Ernest Kao

10.06am: Estimated crowd size at protest areas:

Admiralty: 100

Mong Kok: 50

Causeway Bay: 20


Tents in Admiralty on Monday morning. Photo: Kathy Gao

10.01am: Demonstrators in Mong Kok have added a second line of barricades on Nathan Road.

A man who engaged in a squabble with another man at the Occupy Mong Kok protest zone at around 8am has suffered a suspected heart attack after being pushed to the ground. An ambulance arrived and he was taken to hospital.

The barricade blocking the intersection of Argyle and Shanghai Street was removed by police earlier today.


Barricades in Mong Kok on Monday morning. Photo: Ernest Kao

9.38am: Demonstrators in Admiralty flock to Harcourt Road, where police have replaced one barricade with one of their own. One demonstrator moves her tent there while others sit down, waiting for further developments.

The protesters' barricade on Connaught Road Central, opposite Exchange Square, has been replaced by a police cordon. Police officers say they have not received instructions on reopening the eastbound lane of Connaught Road Central.

Meanwhile, Jackson Road, Chater Road and one westbound lane on Connaught Road Central have been reopened to traffic. Traffic remains sparse.


Little traffic on reopened roads on Hong Kong Island on Monday morning. Photo: Alan Yu

9.32am: Police officers tell Post reporters that they cleared the blockade on Harcourt Road to open a route to government headquarters in Admiralty. Police say it was their right to clear the blockades because the metal barricades were government property.

9.17am: The Transport Department issues a detailed rundown of minibus routes affected by protests on Monday.


Protesters at barricades in Admiralty on Monday morning. Photo: Edward Wong

8.50am: Police issue a statement saying an operation to clear unguarded barricades in Mong Kok and Admiralty started at 5.30am to ease traffic congestion. Police did not attempt to clear the protest sites, the statement says. The police operation in Mong Kok has already ended, it says.

Police urge protesters not to obstruct police action, remove barricades and disperse in a peaceful and orderly manner.


A line of police officers in Admiralty. Photo: Robert Ng


A protester uses a telescope to estimate police presence in Admiralty. Photo: Robert Ng

8.26am: Police officers carrying tear gas canisters seen in Admiralty.


Police set up their own barricade in Admiralty. Photo: Kathy Gao



8.21am: Two lines of police officers face some 100 protesters at Harcourt Road in Admiralty, where barricades have been removed.

One police officer speaks to protesters on a megaphone, urging calm.


Protesters form lines in Admiralty. Photo: Kathy Gao

8.15am: In Mong Kok, pro-democracy protesters slept through a peaceful night until 6am when a group of plain-clothes police officers asked for some barricades on Mong Kok Road to be removed to reopen a lane leading to Sai Yee Street.

The protesters rejected the demand and a 45-minute confrontation ensued. The officers left. Protesters then fortified the barricades in other locations with plastic cuffs, pallets and bamboo.


Protesters reinforce a barricade in Mong Kok. Photo: AFP


Protesters under an Admiralty flyover: 'We are unarmed students. We want police to stop their advance and stop clearing the barricades.' Photo: Alan Yu


Police preparing to clear barricades in Admiralty. Photo: Robert Ng

8am: The delivery of Apple Daily was delayed for hours this morning by a group of some 100 anti-Occupy protesters, who blocked the entrances of the newspaper's offices in the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate.

The protesters, many of them speaking Cantonese with a mainland accent, appeared at the Next Media headquarters on Chun Ying Street around 11pm, protesting against what they regard as the newspaper's biased coverage of the Occupy movement.

The protesters erected tents at the building's entrances, obstructing delivery trucks and staff shuttle buses.

By 5am, almost all the protesters had left the scene on foot and on what appeared to be organised coaches.

WATCH: A recap of Hong Kong's Occupy movement in five minutes


Police preparing to clear barricades in Admiralty. Photo: Robert Ng



INFOGRAPHIC: Riot gear - How Occupy protesters and police stack up





7.15am: The South China Morning Post's front-page on Monday:



7am: Excerpts from the Post's coverage of the Occupy movement on Monday:

Police says triads sent infiltrators into camps of occupy supporters and detractors

Up to 200 gangsters from two major triads across the city were mobilised to infiltrate the camps of supporters and detractors of the Occupy protests during chaos in Mong Kok more than a week ago, police said.

In this civil community, protesters have formed strong bonds and call one another "neighbour".

Fears of negative associations with the Occupy movement are thought to have kept some state leaders from the 10th regional forum.

Island sees 70 per cent increase in arrivals over National Day break amid Occupy protests in Hong Kong.

Who's responsible for business losses - protesters or the government?

"Those contemplating suing protesters for loss of business should realise that such a claim would probably be futile and their energy would be better spent lobbying for a compensation fund", writes Rick Glofcheski.



6.45am: What the front pages of the local papers are saying:

Apple Daily: Anti-occupy group block publication of Apple Daily

Oriental Daily: Mainland corrupt officials flock to Southern Europe, South Africa

Ming Pao: Queensway in exchange for Civic Square, students and pan-democrats propose

Sing Tao Daily: C Y Leung: Mass movement has lost control

6.30am: Click here for a detailed run-down of Sunday's events.


A barricade in Mong Kok on Sunday evening with a photo of President Xi Jinping. The banner reads 'If you tear this down this barricade, you could damage the national flag'. Photo: Staff reporter

Overnight:

Protesters in Admiralty said they would stop occupying Queensway if the government reopens the space now known as Civic Square among demonstrators near the East Wing of the government’s headquarters by 5pm on Tuesday.

Standing next to Occupy Central co-founder Benny Tai Yiu-ting and Scholarism convenor Joshua Wong Chi-fung, a Queensway occupier who identified himself as Ah Dee said: “We understood that our occupation has affected the daily lives of residents in the neighbourhood [...] So we have now opened a gateway of sincere dialogue, if the government doesn’t want to obstruct the people’s daily lives and democracy, please respond to our humble request.”

Tai, Wong and representatives of the pan-democratic camp said they agreed with Ah Dee's plan. Some protesters voiced their opposition to it.

Hundreds, if not thousands of people, camped out at Admiralty on Sunday night. We counted some 400 tents there.


Protesters settle in for the night in Admiralty. Photo: Edward Wong