Hong Kong protesters block government workers from getting into buildings

World Today

A top protest leader in Hong Kong says blockades will be removed to allow government officials to return to work. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive had called for the demonstrators to allow clear access to government buildings by Monday.

He had also appealed for calm, and urged the protesters to return home. This follows another mass protest rally and a counter-demonstration.

Students are demanding more freedom over choosing the candidates for Hong Kong’s next leadership election in 2017. Beijing calls the protests illegal and supports the Hong Kong leadership.

As protesters continue to occupy several streets in Hong Kong’s main business districts, the regional government headquarters, many shops and companies have closed temporarily. ‍CCTV America’s Li Jiejun reports.

In recent days, voices opposing the protests have grown louder. Several confrontations took place on Friday between protesters and people who said they were nearby residents and business owners fed up with the disturbances.

Of the thousands of protesters, most are young students. There are some who have concerns there may be other forces at play. Many people opposing the protests and calling for peace have started wearing blue ribbons: the color of the local police uniforms.

For more on the protests, CCTV America was joined by Fred Teng, CEO of News China and Chairman of the Hong Kong Association in New York.