The High Court of Hong Kong extended temporary injunctions on Monday against illegal protests at two hot spots, but as protesters refuse to comply, the government and legal professionals said they fear the city's celebrated rule-of-law tradition is being seriously threatened.

The temporary injunctions, issued Oct 20, targeted illegal protests at Mongkok, Kowloon and near an office building opposite to the Legislative Council complex in the Admiralty district. The applicants were taxi drivers and building owners.

The applicants have made attempts to clear the barricades, but met fierce resistance from protesters. Vehicular access to the CITIC Tower at Admiralty as of Monday evening was still blocked by a thin layer of metal fences.