Hong Kong protest founders 'surrender', urge movement to retreat

The three original founders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy Occupy movement tearfully announced Tuesday they would "surrender" by turning themselves into police and urged protesters still on the streets to retreat.

"As we prepare to surrender, we three urge the students to retreat –- to put down deep roots in the community and transform the movement," said Occupy Central leader Benny Tai.

he three original founders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy Occupy movement tearfully announced Tuesday they would "surrender" by turning themselves in to police and urged protesters still on the streets to retreat.

"As we prepare to surrender, we three urge the students to retreat –- to put down deep roots in the community and transform the movement," said Occupy Central leader Benny Tai.

The announcement came after hundreds of pro-democracy protesters clashed with police late Sunday leaving dozens injured, in one of the worst nights of violence since rallies began over two months ago.

He said the trio would surrender to police on Wednesday in a commitment to the rule of law and "the principle of peace and love".

"Surrendering is not an act of cowardice, it is the courage to act on a promise. To surrender is not to fail, it is a silent denunciation of a heartless government," Tai said.