05:13

Our Beijing bureau chief Lily Kuo has been speaking to analysts about the significance of today’s arrests.

“This is part and partial of a new round of oppression against the movement,” said Kenneth Chan, a professor in the department of government at Hong Kong Baptist University.

“The arrest of better known leaders is intended to intimidate others in the eve of a possible ‘unlawful’ rally,” he said.

Joseph Cheng, a retired political scientist who has been following the protests closely said: “It’s a campaign, probably a well planned campaign, to arrest all the activist and this will involve a lot of less famous people who have been standing in the front lines of the protests.”

“This is something the government can do – massive arrests to dry up and sap the strength of the protest movement,” he said.

Critics call the crackdown “white terror” that has affected not only protesters, but regular citizens or staff at Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific, who have been encouraged to inform on their colleagues. Ahead of a class boycott by protesting students next week, teachers have also come under fire from pro-government figures.

“This is exactly what white terror means to ordinary people,” said Cheng. “The administration is using all kinds of suppression to create a deterrent effect.”