Concerned about: Redevelopment of Hong Kong. Was inspired by the preservation efforts of residents affected by redevelopment.

View of removal: 'The government is mentally violent. I went on hunger strike to express my determination to support the preservation of Hong Kong's history. We are still full of hopes. I will do everything I can to stop the bulldozers destroying the pier.'

Wong Ho-yin, 23, one of the hunger strikers. Year 3 University of Hong Kong biotechnology and sociology student. Joined Local Action after the Star Ferry protest.

Concerned about: Public space for Hong Kong people.

View of the removal: 'The government is violent. Why did they have to deploy hundreds of police officers to remove us? We were only 30 people.'

Karden Chan Ka-yuen, 24, one of the hunger strikers.

Graduate in digital media studies at Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. Freelance illustrator.

Concerned about: Public space for ordinary Hong Kong people.

View of removal: 'They should have waited until the end of the judicial review proceedings.'

Chu Hoi-dick, 29, core member of Local Action Group. Freelance writer

Graduated from Chinese University, majored in English. Worked on the international news section of Ming Pao newspaper from 1999 to 2004. Upset by the political environment in Hong Kong. Went to Iran to study Persian language, so as to understand more about the Middle East crisis. Returned to Hong Kong at end of 2005 and joined online journal InMedia as a volunteer editor.

Concerned about: Conservation and Hong Kong history. Began a campaign to stop the chopping down of trees at Chinese University in 2006; took part in the bid to stop the demolition of the Star Ferry clock tower.

View of removal: 'I was furious. The fight back to the pier after the eviction was an expression of our anger. It is just the beginning of the war for conservation. But we have to calm down now, we have to move the battle from the pier to the court.'

Mirana Szeto May, supporter of Local Action Group.

Assistant professor of University of Hong Kong's Department of Comparative Literature since 2005.

Concerned about: Cultural movement in post-colonial cities. As a member of Wan Chai District Council's cultural committee, she promotes the conservation of old districts in Wan Chai, including the Blue House.

View of removal: 'We have to be patient; public awareness on cultural issues takes time to grow.'

Fred Lam Fai, 27,

Joined Local Action after the Star Ferry protest.

Chinese University Master's degree graduate in social work. Community worker in Kwun Tong.

Concerned about: Social welfare, Hong Kong politics, network freedom.

View of removal: 'We expected it. The government did a better PR job than it did during the Star Ferry Pier demolition. But it still fails to listen to voices calling for preservation of some public spaces that have historical meaning to us.'

Wong Hang-chong, also known as Ah Cho, 17. Unemployed since leaving school in Form 3 last year.

One of the three people arrested by police on Wednesday at Queen's Pier.

View of removal: 'I am not a conservationist. I joined the campaign because I get along with other people there well. The education system in Hong Kong is a ******* waste of my time.'