Thousands Swell Hong Kong Protests as Deadline Looms

Tens of thousands of protesters poured back into the streets around Hong Kong’s government headquarters after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying called on them to clear access to the complex by tomorrow.

Students leading the demonstrations put the crowds amassed downtown at about 200,000 -- as large as any since the pro-democracy rallies began Sept. 26 -- with many people turning out to support protesters attacked by groups of men on Oct. 3. The demonstration set the stage for another showdown with the government, as Leung asserted his “responsibility and determination to take any necessary action” to restore order in the Asian financial center.