Protesters stay out on Hong Kong streets, defying Beijing

[rug]

By James Pomfret and Charlie Zhu

HONG KONG Mon Sep 29, 2014 5:09pm EDT

(Reuters) - Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters blocked Hong Kong streets in the early hours on Tuesday, maintaining pressure on China as it faces one of its biggest political challenges since the Tiananmen Square crackdown 25 years ago.

Riot police had largely withdrawn and there were none of the clashes, tear gas and baton charges that had erupted over the weekend. As tensions eased, some exhausted demonstrators slept on roadsides while others sang songs or chanted slogans.

One young police officer relaxed in a chair and played on his mobile phone as thousands of demonstrators milled in the streets nearby, some singing and dancing.

Asked why there were so few police, he replied: "Actually, I don't have a reason for you. But we are tired. We are all human beings so we need a rest."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/29/us-hongkong-china-idUSKCN0HN03Q20140929

1:26 video at link.

[JI7]

1. hopefully it will spread to mainland