Occupy Central protesters were leaving the ground floor of HSBC’s headquarters before the deadline of an eviction order expires later on Monday, but some vowed to stay beyond.
The activists – who have been occupying the space since last October – have to leave the communal walk-through area by 9pm under a High Court order issued two weeks ago.
Some were seen packing up their tents, chairs and other belongings. One of them, Sumer Ho Yiu-sing, said he would obey the court order and leave.
“I respect the court’s order and the government’s wishes,” he said. Ho said he would move his camp across the road to the space outside the former Legislative Council.
“It is the spirit that matters in a movement. Seeping here [beyond the deadline] doesn’t make you a hero,” he said.
However, about 20 tents and some furniture still remained there on Monday afternoon.