Scuffles break out after Hong Kong leader vows to stay on

HONG KONG – International News – The leader of Hong Kong has offered to talk with protesters, but is refusing their demands that he stand down over their concerns.

Tensions outside of the Hong Kong leader’s office as thousands of protesters listened to a live broadcast of Leung Chun-ying delivering a statement. It was not what they wanted to hear. Leung Chun-ying has said he will not step down and warns of serious consequences if protests persist.

University student and protester Marjorie Tang said, “He knows what the students are asking for, and what the people are asking for. One of the demands is for him to step down. But he is resolutely not resigning.”

There have been appeals for calm and to maintain peace, but some are defying that message.

One man sat down in the middle of the only road left open in to the central business district. Crowds swarmed around the Caucasian man. Others held hands to form a human chain to prevent more people from spilling onto the road.

Just one incident as tens of thousands poured onto the main roads in several districts in Hong Kong, demanding full democracy when they choose a new leader in 2017.

VIDEO by Reuters