Sunday 30 November 2014

Disruptive pig kicked off flight


Passenger Robert Phelps took a picture after this passenger was asked to leave a USAirways flight with her


Passenger Robert Phelps took a picture after this passenger was asked to leave a USAirways flight with her "disruptive" pig.






  • NEW: "It looked heavy. It was not a tiny, cute little pig," passenger says

  • Passengers say a pig ran up and down aisle and left a foul mess

  • Pig was allowed on flight as "emotional support animal," airline spokeswoman says

  • DOT says animals that provide emotional support qualify as service animals in some cases




(CNN) -- A woman was kicked off a US Airways flight after the pig she brought for "emotional support" became disruptive, an airline spokeswoman told CNN.


The passenger and her large pig were booted from the flight before it left Connecticut's Bradley International Airport on Wednesday, spokeswoman Laura Masvidal said.


"After the animal became disruptive, the passenger was asked to deplane," she said.


How disruptive? Fellow passengers told the Hartford Courant that the big brown pig stank up the cabin of the tiny DC-bound aircraft before defecating in the aisle.


It was around 6 a.m. the day before Thanksgiving. When passenger Robert Phelps first saw the woman coming down the aisle, he thought she had a "really big dog" or a stuffed animal thrown over her shoulder.


"Everybody was trying to surmise what it could be because no one thought it was a pig," he told CNN. "Other than a Fellini movie, where would you see a person with a pig?"


After she reached her seat and began to stow her items, the pig began "dropping things" in the aisle, he said. As she tied him to the armrest and tried to clean up after him, he began to howl.


"She was talking to it like a person, saying it was being a jerk," he said. "I have no problems with babies, but this pig was letting out a howl."


A flight attendant asked her to move to the front of the plane, and eventually she left, he said. He took a photo of her as she walked past him.


"I understand dogs and cats on planes. They come in crates but this was way too big, and it had no container," he said. "It looked heavy. It was not a tiny, cute little pig."


The passenger was allowed to bring the pig on board as an "emotional support animal" under Department of Transportation guidelines.


"We follow all DOT guidelines," she said.


"Emotional support animals" have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to those guidelines.


In 2003, the DOT updated its policy regarding animals in air transportation to say "animals that assist persons with disabilities by providing emotional support" qualify as service animals.


It's up to airline personnel to determine whether an animal is a service animal. They can do so by seeking "credible verbal assurances," looking for physical indicators on the animal, such as a backup or identification tag, or by requesting documentation for service animals.


When it comes to emotional support animals, airlines may require supporting documentation from a mental health professional. The documentation should state that the passenger has a mental health-related disability and that "having the animal accompany the passenger is necessary to the passenger's mental health or treatment or to assist the passenger."


It is not clear whether the passenger on Wednesday's flight provided such documentation.



Preserving Kyoto's townhouses





  • Kyoto is home to over 1,600 temples and former capital of Japan

  • Historic districts of city have traditional wooden house called 'machiya'

  • Many have been destroyed or redeveloped

  • Some are trying to preserve and make them liveable for modern life




Editor's note: CNN's On the Road series brings you a greater insight into the customs and culture of countries across the world. Until mid-December CNN International explores the places, people and passions unique to Japan. Read CNN's special reports policy.


(CNN) -- Kyoto is Japan's historical heart, the former capital and home to 1,600 temples. From the entertainment district of Gion, where geishas can be spotted scurrying along narrow cobbled lanes, to the cherry tree-lined Philosopher's Path, some parts of the city seem timeless.


But among the striking sights of ancient Kyoto sit less obtrusive buildings that capture the spirit of the city and remain a link between the past and the present. They are "machiya", traditional wooden townhouses.


Their narrow frontage gives way to deep interiors, so long and thin that they became known as "a bed for an eel" ("unagi no nedoko," in Japanese).


Megumi Hata lives in a machiya in Kyoto that has been in her family for 13 generations.


"This house is rare and very traditional and therefore our identity as Japanese has been nurtured in this house," she says.


"When I think about that, I would say this is the most amazing part of this house and this is what I love the most about it."





There is a great satisfaction in taking something that was going to be thrown away and creating something that people admire.

Geoffrey Moussas, designer




That enduring love of old homes is not universal in Japan.


There is more financial incentive to destroy rather than preserve, as the structure of a home has very little market value after a few decades, and machiya have suffered from demolition and redevelopment.


Around 80% of demolished machiya in the city are replaced by modern houses and high-rise buildings, according to the University of Kyoto, while the majority of those that remain have suffered some loss to their original facades.


However some are focusing on preserving what remains of the city's old townhouses and believes that they should endure modern development.


"This one housing type has been developing over 1,200 years, continuously adapting to the different lifestyles, adapting and changing," says American designer Geoffrey Moussas who over a decade has renovated over 30 machiya.


The challenges of renovation are huge. Moussas first had to learn from carpenters and craftsmen the special skills needed to build machiya before he could draw up practical renovation plans.


But rather than build museums to a former way of life, Moussas is keen to create a fusion between the old and new. "That balance is very important," he says. "And that's the part that scares people (when it comes to renovations)."


"There is a great satisfaction in taking something that was going to be thrown away and creating something that people admire, something that people appreciate.


"There is an unbelievable amount of culture in these houses."


Hata uses a modern analogy: We view our lives like software, something forever changing then this traditional architecture is the hardware, the very structure that gives Japanese life its foundation.


CNN's On the Road series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries we profile. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy.



Lindsey Vonn opens up about Tiger





  • Lindsey Vonn reveals boyfriend Tiger Woods has helped her through injury rehab

  • Four-time World Champion has missed much of the last two ski seasons due to serious knee injuries

  • Vonn will make return to competitive skiing action in coming weeks




Follow us at @WorldSportCNN and like us on Facebook


Vail, Colorado (CNN) -- It's been a long old road to recovery for U.S. skiing star Lindsey Vonn.


The Olympic gold medal winner and four time overall World Cup champion has been sidelined for much of the last two years after undergoing separate bouts of surgery on a recurring knee injury.


A promising returning to action in late 2013 was cut short by a fall in training which meant she missed out on defending her downhill crown at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.


Now, after knuckling down in the gym and overcoming that bitter disappointment, the 30-year-old Vonn is finally set to return to competitive action.


And opening up to CNN, she revealed her secret weapon as she fought to get back to the top of the slopes -- her boyfriend and golf star, Tiger Woods.





The skier who soars like an eagle




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The four disciplines of Alpine Skiing

"Tiger and I both went through rehab with our injuries at a similar time, so we were both in the gym together and pushing each other and motivating each other, both frustrated," Vonn said.


"I think we both helped each other a lot through that time, and I drew a lot of inspiration from him and I think he does the same with me.


"We continue to push each other and it's a really positive relationship in that way."


Woods' own injury problems began after a promising start to 2014.


The 14-time major champion regained the World No 1. spot in March but was unable to recapture the form that took him there after undergoing back surgery shortly afterwards.


A poor summer meant Woods dropped out of contention for a place in the U.S.'s ill-fated Ryder Cup team.


Given his high profile and status within the golfing community, much of the media attention in the run up to the Ryder Cup focused on Woods' absence.


Being a star that transcends her own sport in a similar manner, Vonn can empathize as to the added pressure that the unflinching glare of the spotlight can bring.


"For us, we're just two athletes trying to do the best we can in our sports," she said.


"There's other stuff that goes along with it for both of us, there's media and stuff like that."


Vonn recently criticized a satirical article published in the Golf Digest magazine that poked fun at Woods.





The harmonious U.S. ski team




Making the World Cup trophy




Ski champs come full circle

She said she was proud of her boyfriend for taking a stand in criticizing the piece and described much of the reaction surrounding his response as "completely ridiculous" in quotes carried by USA Today.


Vonn is more laid back discussing media relations today.


Although not directly referring to that incident in particular, she said the attention is "all part of sports and part of being a successful athlete. We both understand that and take it in our stride."


A chipper Vonn even revealed the celebrity pair are intensively competitive with one another.


Responding to a question on whether her golf is better than Tiger's skiing, Vonn said that was perhaps too difficult to say.


"It's tricky -- I have a hole in one. But he's a pretty good skier."


"We're highly competitive. We're competing at every single thing that we can. And unfortunately he holds the record in ping-pong.


"I have only one victory to I don't know how many hundreds he has."


"He's pretty much better than me at everything, except skiing, so unfortunately he's the winner of the two of us."


Read: Cancer sufferer's debt to ski star


Read: The Sound of Music -- on skis



The hug shared around the world





  • NEW: Sgt. Bret Barnum says he approached boy "not as a police officer," but as a human

  • Photographer captures hug between black boy and white cop at Oregon rally for Ferguson

  • The boy, Devonte Hart, was holding a sign offering free hugs




(CNN) -- It's the picture we needed to see after a week like this.


A 12-year-old black boy, tears streaming down his face, and a white police officer embrace in the middle of a Ferguson-related demonstration in Portland, Oregon.


The boy, Devonte Hart, was holding a sign offering "Free Hugs" during a Tuesday protest over a grand jury's decision not to indict Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.


Portland police Sgt. Bret Barnum approached Devonte and extended his hand, the boy's mother, Jen Hart, wrote in a Facebook post.




Police Sgt. Bret Barnum and Devonte Hart

Police Sgt. Bret Barnum and Devonte Hart



"He asked Devonte why he was crying. His response about his concerns regarding the level of police brutality towards young black kids was met with an unexpected and seemingly authentic (to Devonte), 'Yes. *sigh* I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.' The officer then asked if he could have one of his hugs," Hart wrote, according to the Oregonian.


Barnum said he approached Devonte "not as a police officer but just a human being" when he saw him crying. Devonte seemed hesitant to talk at first, but Barnum said he broke the ice by talking about life, travel and summer vacations before asking for a hug.


"The situation itself is something police officers do every day when they go out on the street and make citizen contacts," Barnum told CNN.


The Oregonian newspaper was the first media outlet to publish the photo by 20-year-old freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen. Within hours of its posting on Facebook, the photo had been shared more than 150,000 times, leading the Oregonian to call it "the hug shared around the world."


"I really believe in my heart that this is what most people want -- to find the common good in all people and find things we can agree on, not fight about," one Facebook commenter said. "I love this picture and wish that little boy the best life has to offer."


Barnum said he was surprised by the overwhelming response, but "really happy" to be part of something that imparted a sense of peace in troubled times.


"It solidified what all of us do this work for -- this job for -- to create good will," he told CNN.


Nguyen told CNN he attended the rally to take pictures for himself.





Why the internet loves this photo

"When I came across Devonte, who was holding a 'Free Hugs' sign and tears running down his face, I knew right there and then there was something special about him," he said. "My gut told me to stay at the scene despite other photo opportunities in the crowd."


Nguyen captured a few snaps of Devonte, then turned around to get some shots of other people. When he turned back, he saw Devonte speaking to Barnum.


"I thought, what a great scene. A powerful scene. A scene with a message that needed to be communicated. A scene of coming together," he said.


"They hugged it out, and I got as close as I could, and snapped away."


The photo "spread like wildfire" in a day. Since then, Nguyen said, he has received hundreds of emails and messages saying how the photograph made people feel more hopeful, that it restored faith in humanity or brought them to tears.


Complete coverage of what's happening in Ferguson


"I knew it had something special, something powerful. It had a message I think everyone wanted to see," he said.


"I think it goes to show everybody was clamoring for hope in the midst of the violence and conflict going on today. I'm glad my photo has done that. Yes, I'm a photographer, but in the end, I'm a human being who wants better for other human beings, and I'm glad I can play my part by sharing the incredible photo. I wish to see everyone continue to be positive, and spread love, always."


CNN's Facebook audience appeared to agree. As one commenter said, "This is a powerful message. I applaud you, young man. Sending you a cyber hug."


What did you think of this picture? Share your thoughts on CNN's Facebook page .



3,000 flights delayed, canceled





  • NEW: More than 3,000 flights delayed and almost 200 canceled

  • Reporter measures line more than a mile long at Midway airport

  • About 46 million people were expected to travel for Thanksgiving, AAA says

  • 90% of travelers were expected to go by road




(CNN) -- For many fliers Sunday, it was holiday travel woes, round two.


As of 6:30 p.m. ET, more than 3,000 U.S. flights were delayed and more than 190 were canceled, according to FlightAware.com.


The line for security screening at Chicago Midway International Airport on Sunday morning was so long that reporter Denise Whitaker of CNN affiliate KOMO measured it: 1.2 miles.







Traveler Sarah Crowder called it the worst she's seen, prompting the Chicago Tribune's Brian Cassella to call on the Transportation Security Administration to "do better."







Sunday is one of the busiest travel days of the year, as millions of people return home after the Thanksgiving holiday.


"This happens sometimes," Chicago Aviation Department spokeswoman Karen Pride said, according to CNN affiliate WLS. "There was a period of time earlier this morning, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., that lines were long because that is when most people are traveling for the holiday period."





Winter storm snarls Thanksgiving travel

On Wednesday, the weather was widely blamed, as snow snarled traffic for parts of the country.


But conditions were much better Sunday in many areas, with "warmer and more tranquil conditions" in parts of the country including the East Coast, CNN meteorologist Todd Borek said. The temperatures were in the upper 40s in Chicago.







While a lot of attention goes to the airports -- where the interconnected flight travel system can have a domino effect -- the vast majority of Thanksgiving travelers hit the road.


Ninety percent of travelers were expected to go by road, AAA said, helped by the lowest gas prices in five years.


In all, more than 46 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, marking the highest volume since 2007.


10 tips for Thanksgiving travel


"The average distance traveled this Thanksgiving will be 549 miles roundtrip and Americans will spend an average of $573 during the holiday weekend," AAA predicted.


How's your holiday travel going? Join the conversation on Facebook.



Protesters, police spar in Hong Kong





  • Police and protesters face off again in tense scene in Hong Kong's Admiralty district

  • Police use batons and pepper spray to push back protesters

  • At least 40 have been arrested, police tell CNN




Hong Kong (CNN) -- Police have begun dismantling the main Hong Kong pro-democracy protest site Monday morning after a violent nighttime standoff when protesters surrounded government headquarters in the city's Admiralty district.


Protesters, following student leaders' calls to escalate their civil disobedience movement, surrounded the government complex Sunday night and charged onto Lung Wo Road, a major east-west route next to the headquarters. Police used batons, pepper spray and water cannon to push back demonstrators.


Police and protesters were seen injured in the clashes, with protesters seen receiving first aid treatment from fellow activists, and police carried away in ambulances.


The standoff continued Monday morning as police moved in on the main Hong Kong pro-democracy protest site, cutting down banners on a pedestrian overpass above thousands of tents inside the "democracy village" in Hong Kong's Admiralty district.









Pro-democracy protesters face police forces after clashes in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Sunday, November 30. Demonstrators are angry about China's decision to allow only Beijing-vetted candidates to run in Hong Kong's elections for chief executive in 2017. They want free elections in 2017 for Hong Kong's leader, whom Beijing says must be vetted through a loyalist committee. Click through for more pictures from the unrest:Pro-democracy protesters face police forces after clashes in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Sunday, November 30. Demonstrators are angry about China's decision to allow only Beijing-vetted candidates to run in Hong Kong's elections for chief executive in 2017. They want free elections in 2017 for Hong Kong's leader, whom Beijing says must be vetted through a loyalist committee. Click through for more pictures from the unrest:



Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters faced off with Hong Kong police on November 30. Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters faced off with Hong Kong police on November 30.



Pro-democracy protesters collide with police officers on the main road outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on November 30. Pro-democracy protesters collide with police officers on the main road outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on November 30.



Police prepare to face protesters on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.Police prepare to face protesters on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.



Pro-democracy protesters push police back as they advance on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.Pro-democracy protesters push police back as they advance on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.



Policemen keep vigil as pro-democracy demonstrators gather on street parallel to where a protest site was cleared in the Mongkok district of Hong Kong on Friday, November 28.Policemen keep vigil as pro-democracy demonstrators gather on street parallel to where a protest site was cleared in the Mongkok district of Hong Kong on Friday, November 28.



Protesters cry as police officers try to stop them from blocking the road in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26. Protesters cry as police officers try to stop them from blocking the road in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26.



Police clash with protesters as they try to clear a major protest site on Tuesday, November 25. Police clash with protesters as they try to clear a major protest site on Tuesday, November 25.



A protester is carried away by police officers on November 25. Hong Kong's high court authorized police to arrest protesters who obstruct clearance of the area.A protester is carried away by police officers on November 25. Hong Kong's high court authorized police to arrest protesters who obstruct clearance of the area.



Police try to arrest a protester on November 25. Police try to arrest a protester on November 25.



A demonstrator is sprayed with pepper spray by the police after refusing to leave the protest site on November 25.A demonstrator is sprayed with pepper spray by the police after refusing to leave the protest site on November 25.



Protesters break a glass door of the Legislative Council on Wednesday, November 19. Protesters break a glass door of the Legislative Council on Wednesday, November 19.



Protesters stand off with police officers outside the Legislative Council building after clashes on November 19. Protesters stand off with police officers outside the Legislative Council building after clashes on November 19.



Security staff members remove a barricade outside the CITIC tower near a protest site in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 18. Security staff members remove a barricade outside the CITIC tower near a protest site in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 18.



There were no signs of resistance from protesters, some of whom helped bailiffs, police and CITIC representatives move barricades away on November 18.There were no signs of resistance from protesters, some of whom helped bailiffs, police and CITIC representatives move barricades away on November 18.



The Admiralty protest site is shown on the road outside the Hong Kong Government complex on Monday, November 17. The Admiralty protest site is shown on the road outside the Hong Kong Government complex on Monday, November 17.



Student leaders attempted to fly to Beijing to deliver a message to the Chinese government on Saturday, November 15. They were denied boarding after being informed that their entry permits were invalid.Student leaders attempted to fly to Beijing to deliver a message to the Chinese government on Saturday, November 15. They were denied boarding after being informed that their entry permits were invalid.



A businessman walks to work past protester-placed barricades that blocked a road at the Admiralty protest site on Thursday, November 13.A businessman walks to work past protester-placed barricades that blocked a road at the Admiralty protest site on Thursday, November 13.



People open umbrellas at the main protest site in Hong Kong on Tuesday, October 28. The umbrella has become the defining image of the protest movement, used to shield protesters from tear gas and the elements. People open umbrellas at the main protest site in Hong Kong on Tuesday, October 28. The umbrella has become the defining image of the protest movement, used to shield protesters from tear gas and the elements.



Riot police stand guard near a barricade in a protester-occupied area on Wednesday, October 22. Riot police stand guard near a barricade in a protester-occupied area on Wednesday, October 22.



Pro-democracy protesters at an occupied area outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong watch a live broadcast of talks between Hong Kong government officials and protesters on Tuesday, October 21.Pro-democracy protesters at an occupied area outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong watch a live broadcast of talks between Hong Kong government officials and protesters on Tuesday, October 21.



Police and protesters face each other across a barricade as tensions continue in Hong Kong on Monday, October 20.Police and protesters face each other across a barricade as tensions continue in Hong Kong on Monday, October 20.



Riot police advance on a pro-democracy protest encampment early Sunday, October 19.Riot police advance on a pro-democracy protest encampment early Sunday, October 19.



A woman reads on a road barricaded by pro-democracy protesters on October 19.A woman reads on a road barricaded by pro-democracy protesters on October 19.



Police officers yell at pro-democracy protesters as they push forward in an attempt to clear a street on Saturday, October 18.Police officers yell at pro-democracy protesters as they push forward in an attempt to clear a street on Saturday, October 18.



Pro-democracy protesters sleep next to a barricade on October 18 after reclaiming streets in Mong Kok after a night of violent scuffles with police.Pro-democracy protesters sleep next to a barricade on October 18 after reclaiming streets in Mong Kok after a night of violent scuffles with police.



A journalist collapses in agony after being hit in the face with pepper spray during clashes with police on Friday, October 17. A journalist collapses in agony after being hit in the face with pepper spray during clashes with police on Friday, October 17.



Police use batons to hit pro-democracy protesters who are using raised umbrellas for protection on October 17. Police use batons to hit pro-democracy protesters who are using raised umbrellas for protection on October 17.



Protesters and riot police officers face off at a main road on October 17. Protesters and riot police officers face off at a main road on October 17.



People shout at pro-democracy protesters on October 17. People shout at pro-democracy protesters on October 17.



Riot police clear out an encampment of protesters on October 17. Police swooped in early to dismantle the protest campsite.Riot police clear out an encampment of protesters on October 17. Police swooped in early to dismantle the protest campsite.



Demonstrators remove their belongings from a protest camp early on October 17.Demonstrators remove their belongings from a protest camp early on October 17.



Pro-democracy protesters break down as riot police clear their camp October 17.Pro-democracy protesters break down as riot police clear their camp October 17.



Riot police remove barricades on October 17.Riot police remove barricades on October 17.



Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung arrives for a news conference on October 16. He said talks would resume with students as early as next week, but he said street protests had caused severe disruption and could not continue.Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung arrives for a news conference on October 16. He said talks would resume with students as early as next week, but he said street protests had caused severe disruption and could not continue.



Pro-democracy demonstrator Ken Tsang gets taken taken away by police before allegedly being beaten up in Hong Kong on October 15. Authorities have vowed to conduct an investigation into a widely circulated video that appears to show plainclothes officers kicking and punching the man. Pro-democracy demonstrator Ken Tsang gets taken taken away by police before allegedly being beaten up in Hong Kong on October 15. Authorities have vowed to conduct an investigation into a widely circulated video that appears to show plainclothes officers kicking and punching the man.



A police officer shouts at a protester who was hit with pepper spray on October 15.A police officer shouts at a protester who was hit with pepper spray on October 15.



Pro-democracy protesters hide behind umbrellas to protect themselves from pepper spray on October 15.Pro-democracy protesters hide behind umbrellas to protect themselves from pepper spray on October 15.



Protesters move barriers as others block a main road in Hong Kong with metal and plastic safety barriers on October 15.Protesters move barriers as others block a main road in Hong Kong with metal and plastic safety barriers on October 15.



Police march toward pro-democracy protesters outside central government offices on October 15.Police march toward pro-democracy protesters outside central government offices on October 15.



Protesters gather near central government offices on October 15.Protesters gather near central government offices on October 15.



Police move toward pro-democracy protesters during a standoff outside central government offices on October 14.Police move toward pro-democracy protesters during a standoff outside central government offices on October 14.



Police remove bamboo that pro-democracy protesters had set up to block off main roads on October 14. Police remove bamboo that pro-democracy protesters had set up to block off main roads on October 14.



Pro-democracy protesters watch as police remove barricades on October 14.Pro-democracy protesters watch as police remove barricades on October 14.



Cleaners sweep the main road after the police's removal of barricades on October 14.Cleaners sweep the main road after the police's removal of barricades on October 14.



Police ask a protester to leave the main road of Hong Kong's Central district on October 14.Police ask a protester to leave the main road of Hong Kong's Central district on October 14.



Police dismantle barricades from the streets on October 14.Police dismantle barricades from the streets on October 14.



Police officers run to barricades set up by protesters on October 14.Police officers run to barricades set up by protesters on October 14.



Protesters raise their hands behind police officers after people tried to remove the metal barricades that protesters set up to block off main roads near the city's financial district on October 13. Protesters raise their hands behind police officers after people tried to remove the metal barricades that protesters set up to block off main roads near the city's financial district on October 13.



A police officer tries to stop a man from removing metal barricades set up by protesters on October 13.A police officer tries to stop a man from removing metal barricades set up by protesters on October 13.



A police officer scuffles with a man on October 13.A police officer scuffles with a man on October 13.



Police officers arrest a demonstrator on October 13.Police officers arrest a demonstrator on October 13.



A demonstrator sets up a new barricade made of bamboo in Hong Kong on October 13.A demonstrator sets up a new barricade made of bamboo in Hong Kong on October 13.



Police officers remove barricades used by protesters on October 13.Police officers remove barricades used by protesters on October 13.



Taxi drivers protest in Hong Kong on October 13, urging pro-democracy demonstrators to clear the roads.Taxi drivers protest in Hong Kong on October 13, urging pro-democracy demonstrators to clear the roads.



People gather beneath the statue "Umbrella Man," by the Hong Kong artist known as Milk, which has become a symbol at the protest site, on Saturday, October 11, in Hong Kong.People gather beneath the statue "Umbrella Man," by the Hong Kong artist known as Milk, which has become a symbol at the protest site, on Saturday, October 11, in Hong Kong.



Pro-democracy protesters remain scattered at the protest site in Admiralty on Thursday, October 9. The government canceled talks that day after protest leaders urged supporters to keep up the occupation. Pro-democracy protesters remain scattered at the protest site in Admiralty on Thursday, October 9. The government canceled talks that day after protest leaders urged supporters to keep up the occupation.



Taxi drivers attend a small demonstration calling for protesters to stop blocking roads through the city on October 9. Taxi drivers attend a small demonstration calling for protesters to stop blocking roads through the city on October 9.



A woman drinks a soda as she walks past a barricade erected by pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong on October 9.A woman drinks a soda as she walks past a barricade erected by pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong on October 9.



A pro-democracy protester sleeps on a street in the occupied area surrounding the government complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 8. A pro-democracy protester sleeps on a street in the occupied area surrounding the government complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 8.



A pro-democracy protester reads a newspaper in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on Tuesday, October 7, as a police officer stands nearby.A pro-democracy protester reads a newspaper in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on Tuesday, October 7, as a police officer stands nearby.



Protesters walk up an empty street inside the protest site near Hong Kong's government complex on October 7.Protesters walk up an empty street inside the protest site near Hong Kong's government complex on October 7.



Joshua Wong, a 17-year-old student protest leader, is interviewed at the protest site near government headquarters on Monday, October 6.Joshua Wong, a 17-year-old student protest leader, is interviewed at the protest site near government headquarters on Monday, October 6.



A man walks to work as pro-democracy demonstrators sleep on the road in the occupied areas surrounding the government complex in Hong Kong on October 6.A man walks to work as pro-democracy demonstrators sleep on the road in the occupied areas surrounding the government complex in Hong Kong on October 6.



A ray of sunlight bathes sleeping protesters as they occupy a major highway in Hong Kong on October 6. Protesters say Beijing has gone back on its pledge to allow universal suffrage in Hong Kong, which was promised "a high degree of autonomy" when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.A ray of sunlight bathes sleeping protesters as they occupy a major highway in Hong Kong on October 6. Protesters say Beijing has gone back on its pledge to allow universal suffrage in Hong Kong, which was promised "a high degree of autonomy" when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.



People take an escalator to work as protesters sleep on October 6.People take an escalator to work as protesters sleep on October 6.



The statue "Umbrella Man," by the Hong Kong artist known as Milk, stands at a pro-democracy protest site in the Admiralty district on October 6.The statue "Umbrella Man," by the Hong Kong artist known as Milk, stands at a pro-democracy protest site in the Admiralty district on October 6.



People walk to work on a main road in the occupied areas of Hong Kong on October 6.People walk to work on a main road in the occupied areas of Hong Kong on October 6.



Police officers remove barriers outside government offices in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 5.Police officers remove barriers outside government offices in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 5.



Student protesters carry a barrier to block a street leading to the protest site on October 5.Student protesters carry a barrier to block a street leading to the protest site on October 5.



Pro-democracy demonstrators occupy the streets near government headquarters on October 5. Pro-democracy demonstrators occupy the streets near government headquarters on October 5.



Pro-democracy demonstrators surround police October 5 in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong.Pro-democracy demonstrators surround police October 5 in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong.



A pro-democracy protester holds on to a barrier as he and others defend a barricade from attacks by rival protest groups in the Mong Kok district on Saturday, October 4.A pro-democracy protester holds on to a barrier as he and others defend a barricade from attacks by rival protest groups in the Mong Kok district on Saturday, October 4.



Pro-democracy student protesters pin a man to the ground after an assault during a scuffle with local residents in Mong Kok on October 4. Pro-democracy student protesters pin a man to the ground after an assault during a scuffle with local residents in Mong Kok on October 4.



Pro-democracy protesters raise their arms in a sign of nonviolence as they protect a barricade from rival protest groups in the Mong Kok district on October 4. Pro-democracy protesters raise their arms in a sign of nonviolence as they protect a barricade from rival protest groups in the Mong Kok district on October 4.



A pro-Beijing activist holds up blue ribbons for anti-Occupy Central protestors to collect as pro-government speeches are made in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on October 4.A pro-Beijing activist holds up blue ribbons for anti-Occupy Central protestors to collect as pro-government speeches are made in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on October 4.



A man sits in front of a barricade built by pro-democracy protesters on October 4 in the Kowloon district.A man sits in front of a barricade built by pro-democracy protesters on October 4 in the Kowloon district.



Thousands of pro-democracy activists attend a rally on the streets near government headquarters on October 4 in Hong Kong. Thousands of pro-democracy activists attend a rally on the streets near government headquarters on October 4 in Hong Kong.



A group of men in masks fight with a man who tried to stop them from removing barricades from a pro-democracy protest area in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on Friday, October 3.A group of men in masks fight with a man who tried to stop them from removing barricades from a pro-democracy protest area in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on Friday, October 3.



Police raise hands against protesters as an ambulance tries to leave the compound of the chief executive office in Hong Kong on October 3. Police raise hands against protesters as an ambulance tries to leave the compound of the chief executive office in Hong Kong on October 3.



A protester tries to negotiate with angry residents trying to remove barricades blocking streets in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay on October 3. Large crowds opposed to the pro-democracy movement gathered to clear the area.A protester tries to negotiate with angry residents trying to remove barricades blocking streets in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay on October 3. Large crowds opposed to the pro-democracy movement gathered to clear the area.



Pro-democracy demonstrators protect a barricade from "anti-Occupy" crowds in Hong Kong on October 3. Pro-democracy demonstrators protect a barricade from "anti-Occupy" crowds in Hong Kong on October 3.



A man shouts at a pro-democracy demonstrator on October 3.A man shouts at a pro-democracy demonstrator on October 3.



Police try to pry a man from a fence guarded by pro-democracy demonstrators on October 3.Police try to pry a man from a fence guarded by pro-democracy demonstrators on October 3.



Pro-democracy demonstrators sleep on the street outside a government complex in Hong Kong on Thursday, October 2.Pro-democracy demonstrators sleep on the street outside a government complex in Hong Kong on Thursday, October 2.



As the sun rises, a protester reads during a sit-in blocking the entrance to the chief executive's office on October 2.As the sun rises, a protester reads during a sit-in blocking the entrance to the chief executive's office on October 2.



Yellow ribbons, a symbol of the protests in Hong Kong, are tied to a fence as police and security officers stand guard at the government headquarters on October 2.Yellow ribbons, a symbol of the protests in Hong Kong, are tied to a fence as police and security officers stand guard at the government headquarters on October 2.



Protesters confront police outside the government complex in Hong Kong on October 2.Protesters confront police outside the government complex in Hong Kong on October 2.



Protesters camp out in a street in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 1. Protesters camp out in a street in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 1.



Founder of the student pro-democracy group Scholarism, Joshua Wong, center, stands in silent protest with supporters at the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong on October 1. Founder of the student pro-democracy group Scholarism, Joshua Wong, center, stands in silent protest with supporters at the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong on October 1.



Hong Kong's Chief Executive C.Y. Leung attends a flag raising ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of Communist China on October 1. Hong Kong's Chief Executive C.Y. Leung attends a flag raising ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of Communist China on October 1.



A pro-democracy activist shouts slogans on a street near the government headquarters on Wednesday, October 1.A pro-democracy activist shouts slogans on a street near the government headquarters on Wednesday, October 1.



Hong Kong police stand guard outside the flag-raising ceremony October 1.Hong Kong police stand guard outside the flag-raising ceremony October 1.



Pro-democracy demonstrators gather for a third night in Hong Kong on Tuesday, September 30. Pro-democracy demonstrators gather for a third night in Hong Kong on Tuesday, September 30.



Protesters sing songs and wave their cell phones in the air after a massive thunderstorm passed over the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 30.Protesters sing songs and wave their cell phones in the air after a massive thunderstorm passed over the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 30.



Protesters take part in a rally on a street outside the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 30.Protesters take part in a rally on a street outside the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 30.



Student activists rest on a road in Hong Kong on September 30, near the government headquarters where pro-democracy activists have gathered.Student activists rest on a road in Hong Kong on September 30, near the government headquarters where pro-democracy activists have gathered.



A pro-democracy demonstrator guards a bus covered with messages of support in Hong Kong on September 30.A pro-democracy demonstrator guards a bus covered with messages of support in Hong Kong on September 30.



Protesters sleep on the streets outside the Hong Kong Government Complex at sunrise on September 30.Protesters sleep on the streets outside the Hong Kong Government Complex at sunrise on September 30.



Protesters hold up their cell phones in a display of solidarity during a protest outside the Legislative Council headquarters in Hong Kong on Monday, September 29.Protesters hold up their cell phones in a display of solidarity during a protest outside the Legislative Council headquarters in Hong Kong on Monday, September 29.



Protesters put on goggles and wrap themselves in plastic on September 29 after hearing a rumor that police were coming with tear gas.Protesters put on goggles and wrap themselves in plastic on September 29 after hearing a rumor that police were coming with tear gas.



Police officers stand off with protesters next to the Hong Kong police headquarters on September 29.Police officers stand off with protesters next to the Hong Kong police headquarters on September 29.



A man helps protesters use a makeshift ladder to climb over concrete street barricades on September 29.A man helps protesters use a makeshift ladder to climb over concrete street barricades on September 29.



Riot police fire tear gas on student protesters occupying streets around government buildings in Hong Kong on September 29.Riot police fire tear gas on student protesters occupying streets around government buildings in Hong Kong on September 29.



Police officers rest after protests on September 29. Police officers rest after protests on September 29.



Pro-democracy protesters argue with a man, left, who opposes the occupation of Nathan Road in Hong Kong on September 29. Pro-democracy protesters argue with a man, left, who opposes the occupation of Nathan Road in Hong Kong on September 29.



Pro-democracy protesters sit in a road as they face off with local police on September 29.Pro-democracy protesters sit in a road as they face off with local police on September 29.



Pro-democracy protesters rest around empty buses as they block Nathan Road in Hong Kong on September 29. Multiple bus routes have been suspended or diverted.Pro-democracy protesters rest around empty buses as they block Nathan Road in Hong Kong on September 29. Multiple bus routes have been suspended or diverted.



Police walk down a stairwell as demonstrators gather outside government buildings in Hong Kong on September 29.Police walk down a stairwell as demonstrators gather outside government buildings in Hong Kong on September 29.



Stacks of umbrellas are ready for protesters to use as shields against pepper spray on September 29.Stacks of umbrellas are ready for protesters to use as shields against pepper spray on September 29.



Protesters turn the Chinese flag upside-down on September 29 outside a commercial building near the main Occupy Central protest area in Hong Kong.Protesters turn the Chinese flag upside-down on September 29 outside a commercial building near the main Occupy Central protest area in Hong Kong.



Protesters occupy a main road in the Central district of Hong Kong after riot police used tear gas against them on Sunday, September 28.Protesters occupy a main road in the Central district of Hong Kong after riot police used tear gas against them on Sunday, September 28.



Demonstrators disperse as tear gas is fired during a protest on September 28. There is an "optimal amount of police officers dispersed" around the scene, a Hong Kong police representative said.Demonstrators disperse as tear gas is fired during a protest on September 28. There is an "optimal amount of police officers dispersed" around the scene, a Hong Kong police representative said.



Police use pepper spray and tear gas against demonstrators September 28. The protests, which have seen thousands of students in their teens and 20s take to the streets, swelled in size over the weekend.Police use pepper spray and tear gas against demonstrators September 28. The protests, which have seen thousands of students in their teens and 20s take to the streets, swelled in size over the weekend.



Riot police clash with protesters on September 28. Riot police clash with protesters on September 28.



Police and protesters clash during a tense standoff with thousands of student demonstrators, recently joined by the like-minded Occupy Central movement, on September 28.Police and protesters clash during a tense standoff with thousands of student demonstrators, recently joined by the like-minded Occupy Central movement, on September 28.



Benny Tai, center, founder of the Occupy Central movement, raises a fist after announcing the group would join the students during a demonstration outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on September 28.Benny Tai, center, founder of the Occupy Central movement, raises a fist after announcing the group would join the students during a demonstration outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on September 28.



Pro-democracy activist and former legislator Martin Lee wears goggles and a mask to protect against pepper spray on September 28.Pro-democracy activist and former legislator Martin Lee wears goggles and a mask to protect against pepper spray on September 28.



A pro-democracy activist shouts at police officers behind a fence with yellow ribbons on September 28. A pro-democracy activist shouts at police officers behind a fence with yellow ribbons on September 28.



A sign for the Hong Kong central government offices has been crossed out with red tape by democracy activists on September 28. A sign for the Hong Kong central government offices has been crossed out with red tape by democracy activists on September 28.



Pro-democracy protesters gather near government headquarters on September 29.Pro-democracy protesters gather near government headquarters on September 29.



Protesters gather during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Legislative Counsel on September 28 as calls for Beijing to grant the city universal suffrage grow louder and more fractious.Protesters gather during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Legislative Counsel on September 28 as calls for Beijing to grant the city universal suffrage grow louder and more fractious.



Protesters tie up barricades on September 28 during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. Protesters tie up barricades on September 28 during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong.



An injured protester is tended to after clashing with riot police outside Hong Kong government complex on Saturday, September 27. An injured protester is tended to after clashing with riot police outside Hong Kong government complex on Saturday, September 27.



Riot police use pepper spray on pro-democracy activists who forced their way into the Hong Kong government headquarters during a demonstration on September 27.Riot police use pepper spray on pro-democracy activists who forced their way into the Hong Kong government headquarters during a demonstration on September 27.



People watch from on high as pro-democracy demonstrators are surrounded by police after storming a courtyard outside Hong Kong's legislative headquarters on Friday, September 26. People watch from on high as pro-democracy demonstrators are surrounded by police after storming a courtyard outside Hong Kong's legislative headquarters on Friday, September 26.



Students march to Government House in Hong Kong on Thursday, September 25. Students march to Government House in Hong Kong on Thursday, September 25.







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Photos: Hong Kong unrestPhotos: Hong Kong unrest






Police crack down on Hong Kong protests




Authorities clear Hong Kong protest site




Lai: It's time for protesters to retreat

Before dawn Monday, at least 40 arrests had been made, according to the Hong Kong Police.


The Central Government Office, meanwhile, announced that it would be closed Monday morning because of the protesters blocking access roads and asked employees to stay home.


"We do not have any plan"


The current police operation is the boldest move authorities have made on the main protest site in nearly two months.


Protesters seemed at a loss for how to respond, with arguments breaking out between student leaders and protesters even as police moved in.


Winnie Ng, a demonstrator, told CNN "We do not have any plan."


This morning, a tweet from student leader group Hong Kong Federation of Students read "We need your support in Admiralty right now."


The tense standoff came at the end of a dramatic week in which Hong Kong authorities moved to dismantle protest camps in the city's working-class Mong Kok district, arresting dozens and drawing accusations of brutality in the process.


Protesters want their occupations to pressure the Chinese government into giving Hong Kong open elections for its next leader in 2017. So far, officials have shown no willingness to give into protesters' demands.


The protests have drawn widespread international attention, although the Chinese government has rebutted any efforts by outside countries to "interfere."


On Sunday Sir Richard Ottoway, who chairs the British parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, said he and other lawmakers had been barred by China from making a planned trip to Hong Kong to assess the political situation.


"The Chinese government are acting in an overtly confrontational manner in refusing us access to do our job," he said.


Michael Pearson wrote from Atlanta. Ivan Watson and Vivian Kam reported from Hong Kong. CNN's Anjali Tsui and Felicia Wong also contributed to this report.