Hong Kong authorities start clearing barricades at key protest camp

Authorities began removing barricades in the main protest camp in the Admiralty district, in downtown Hong Kong, where the government buildings are based.
Bailiffs joined by police officers plan to clear the area from wooden and metallic barriers, tents and garbage in an effort to reopen roads to traffic. The move comes in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court following a lawsuit filed by a local bus firm.
The participants of the student-led protest movement are not planning to clash with police and hinder the operation. Meanwhile, some activists are set to remain in the streets and could face arrests if they offer resistance.
Hong Kong, a former British colony, has been hit by protests for the 75th day. The demonstrators’ key demands are that Beijing cancels restrictions at elections of chief executive in 2017 and ensures that they are free and based on universal suffrage.
Under these slogans, the students have staged mass demonstrations which reached their peak in the first week of October, when tens of thousands of local residents took to the streets.
Two weeks ago, authorities removed barricades in Mong Kok, a busy shopping district on the Kowloon Peninsula, the scene of violent clashes with police. The third key protest site is Causeway Bay, where some 50 protesters are currently staying. Police sources say the barricades there could be removed already on Thursday.