Marches, demonstrations or other large gatherings during next year's Beijing Olympic Games must get prior police authorization, senior officials said yesterday.

"Any group or individual who stages a parade or demonstration during the Beijing Olympic Games must respect Chinese law," Ministry of Public Security spokesman Wu Heping told a news conference.

"As for legal activities, police will protect them according to the law."

Ma Weiya, deputy director of the ministry's public security administrative bureau, said the government will not tolerate unauthorized marches or demonstrations.

"China's Constitution bestows on its people the freedom of assembly, procession and demonstration. But we also have detailed laws and regulations on such activities, requiring them to get police approval," he said.

They made the remarks when answering questions on how Beijing will handle peaceful marches during the Games. It is believed that some individuals or organizations, including those from abroad, will try to take advantage of the Games' visibility to publicize their causes.

However, the Law on Assemblies, Procession and Demonstrations and its implementation regulations make it clear that such activities must not violate the Constitution, harm the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State, instigate divisions among the people or endanger public security.

It is also stipulated that organizers of such events must apply to the police for approval five days prior to the events, clarifying the purpose, time, route and process of the activity, the posters and slogans to be used, the number of participants, and the specifications of sound facilities.

Violators, including foreigners, will face fines, custody or criminal punishment according to law.

But Ma made it clear that the government will not ban large-scale events organized by individuals or organizations such as sports matches, concerts and exhibitions.

"The Games is a happy gathering for people from all over the world. We, in principle, will not cancel other large-scale events during the period," he said.

He explained that according to a new rule on large-scale public events, which has been in force since last month, organizers in charge of the events should also apply for police approval in advance if the number of expected participants exceeds 1,000.

(China Daily November 2, 2007)