Hong Kong protesters won't "surrender," reject leaders' calls to leave

2014-12-02 5

Near Hong Kong's government headquarters, a protester's tent encampment is calm on Tuesday.

Just the day before, thousands of pro-democracy activists clashed with police, defying orders leave.

A weeks-long democracy movement that's occupied key streets of Hong Kong is now deeply split over tactics.

Protest leaders are calling on student members to surrender … over fears of further violence.

The clashes, they say, have undermined the movement and its peaceful beginnings.

But the students themselves vow to continue their occupation

(SOUNDBITE) (English) 18-YEAR-OLD UNIVERSITY STUDENT AND PRO-DEMOCRACY PROTESTER LORRAINE LAM, SAYING:

"That announcement was quite nonsense because we have been through a lot and I don't think we should pack up our things and leave now."

At issue … Beijing's decision to essentially VET candidates for Hong Kong's mayoral elections in 2017.

Protesters want a free choice of candidates to decide their next lea

Free Traffic Exchange