Hong Kong Mongkok students expelled them from their leaders arrested

The Chinese authorities harden the tone in Hong Kong. 4,000 police were mobilized Wednesday to dislodge the pro-democracy students in their camp Mongkok, one of three sites they occupy since September 28 in the former British colony.

The police interposed to allow workers to dismantle the barricades erected on a six-lane thoroughfare, causing stampedes. Several demonstrators were injured.

Students are aware of the growing weariness of seven million people, angered by the traffic jams caused by the occupation of the streets, but they promised to return. Since Tuesday, 148 people were arrested including leaders of the movement. Furthermore, in October 7 policemen suspended for beating a protester, were jailed.

Autonomous Chinese territory, Hong Kong will elect its next leader in 2017. But Beijing wants a screening of candidates by a committee which is favorable.