The founders of Hong Kong’s Occupy Central pro-democracy movement are turning themselves in to police over their role in pro-democracy demonstrations.  And they are urging the few hundred remaining student demonstrators to withdraw from the streets, after clashes with police on Sunday and Monday.

Benny Tai, Chan Kin-man, and Chu Yiu-ming were to report to police at 07:00 GMT.  They could be charged with illegal assembly, but they are willing to face the consequences.

“In order to challenge this unjust system, we are willing to face all consequences,” they said.  Benny Tai told a radio show that he had no regrets, saying: “In hindsight, I would still do the same thing.”

Hong Kong Federation of Students leader Alex Chow said his group would not follow Occupy and turn themselves into police.  But he will discuss with members whether they should end their action.

The protests began when China announced that only vetted and approved candidates would be allowed on the 2017 ballot to pick Hong Kong's next Chief executive.  The pro-democracy groups say the ballot should be open.  Occupy Central hit the streets, but was eclipsed by the student groups which mobilized greater numbers.