77 protest applications received after August 1

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-18 16:21

The one remaining application has been vetoed by the public security authorities, as it is in violation of China's law on demonstrations and protests, the spokesperson said without elaboration.

The public security bureau also received 22 inquiries on the application procedures -- 13 from domestic residents and nine from overseas personnel.

China announced last month it would set up zones in three Beijing parks where demonstrators could legally stage protests during the Olympic Games. They are Zizhuyuan Park in the city's northwest, Ritan Park in the east and World Park in the southwest.

"The move to set aside protest areas is in line with Beijing's promises to the International Olympic Committee to adhere to the Olympic traditions, such as free expression outside the sporting venues. It offers a new channel for the protestors to better express their opinions by attracting the eyes of tourists, reporters and officials during the Games," said Mo Yuchuan, director of the Research Center for Constitutional and Administrative Law of the Beijing-based Renmin University of China.

"The measure is also expected to help reduce the risk that unexpected demonstrations of large scale would harm the public interests," he said.

Previous page 1 2 Next Page