The Associated Press reports that China said it would not tolerate unauthorized parades, demonstrations or other gatherings at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Public Security Ministry press officer Wu Heping told a news conference, transcripts of which were published on official websites Thursday, “any group or individual who stages a gathering, parade or demonstrations during the Beijing Olympic Games period must respect Chinese law. As to those legal activities, police will protect them according to the law. As for those activities that are illegal, we police will handle them according to the law”.
AP reports that Chinese law technically permits protests and other similar actions, but they require applications that are almost never approved. Also those who even dare to make such requests can be subject to surveillance, harassment or arrest, especially if the cause involved is seen to challenge Communist Party authority.
