HONG KONG - About 200 pro-democracy protesters were in a standoff with police near Hong Kong's government headquarters late Tuesday as the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ stalemate continued. There were tense moments when demonstrators rushed past officers to take control of twin road tunnels, prompting loud cheers. Protesters regrouped around new barricades after the clashes, at about 10.45 p.m. local time (10.45 a.m. ET).
Much earlier Tuesday, police began to take down barriers using electric saws and bolt cutters. Officers will continue to take down barriers, spokesman Steve Hui said. It follows the government's abrupt cancellation of talks scheduled last Friday with the activists, who are demanding that China drops plans for a pro-Beijing committee to screen candidates in the territory's first direct elections, promised for 2017.
IN-DEPTH
- Hong Kong's 'Silent Majority' Demand End to Protests
- 'Zero Chance' Beijing Will Give In, Hong Kong Leader Says
- What's Really Fueling Hong Kong Protests? Money Woes
SOCIAL
- Ed Flanagan
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
