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Hong Kong government says it will clear more democracy protest barricades

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Police officers stand guard near tents set up by pro-democracy protesters in the occupied area of the Mong Kok district in Hong Kong Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. The student-led democracy protesters reject restrictions laid down by Beijing on inaugural 2017 elections for Hong Kong's top leader. But the students have been fighting to maintain momentum as the Hong Kong government appears to adopt a strategy of standing by in hopes it fizzles out. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) (The Associated Press)

Tents set up by pro-democracy protesters are seen in the occupied area of the Mong Kok district in Hong Kong Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. The student-led democracy protesters reject restrictions laid down by Beijing on inaugural 2017 elections for Hong Kong's top leader. But the students have been fighting to maintain momentum as the Hong Kong government appears to adopt a strategy of standing by in hopes it fizzles out. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) (The Associated Press)

Tents set up by pro-democracy protesters are seen in the occupied area of the Mong Kok district in Hong Kong Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. The student-led democracy protesters reject restrictions laid down by Beijing on inaugural 2017 elections for Hong Kong's top leader. But the students have been fighting to maintain momentum as the Hong Kong government appears to adopt a strategy of standing by in hopes it fizzles out. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) (The Associated Press)

Hong Kong authorities say they will remove some barricades from part of a pro-democracy protest site in Mong Kok district, scene of previous violent confrontations with police and angry mobs.

The government said in a statement that police will be on hand Tuesday to assist bailiffs working under a court order to remove obstructions from the site, which activists have occupied for nearly two months.

The statement released late Monday said police are authorized to arrest anyone obstructing the bailiffs.

Protesters have been camped out on major thoroughfares in three areas of Hong Kong since Sept. 28 demanding greater democracy. The standoff has continued with no end in sight as neither the government nor the student-led protesters have shown any willingness to compromise.