China to allow Olympic protests

China has set up designated areas in three Beijing parks for demonstrations during the Olympics.

The Games have already proved to be a lightning rod for protest over issues ranging from Darfur to Tibet.

The idea to have "protest pens" is in line with practice at past Games as the International Olympic Committee charter prohibits demonstrations or "political, religious or racial propaganda" at Olympic venues or sites.

But it is a surprise that host China will allow any protests - the country's Communist leaders frown on public protests, often viewing them as a threat to stability and their hold on power.

"We have dedicated places for demonstrations at several parks," said Liu Shaowu, director of the security department at Beijing's Olympics organising committee.

"Chinese law protects the legal right of people to hold lawful demonstrations and marches."

The parks are in the Beijing districts of Fengtai, Haidian and Chaoyang, spanning three far-flung areas of the capital.

Activists protesting for a range of issues, from China's policies in Tibet to its engagement with Sudan to its record on media freedom and human rights, have used the awarding of the Olympics to Beijing as a platform to voice their causes.

Protests related to the Beijing Games burst on to the world stage after unrest in Tibet in March led to anti-Chinese demonstrations and counter-protests along the international leg of the Olympic torch relay.

Mr Liu said demonstrators would need prior approval to hold protests, but it was not clear if police would grant approval for any marches outside of the dedicated parks.

"If they have lawfully applied and the demonstration is approved, Chinese police can, according to law, protect citizens' rights," he said.

Mr Liu declined to say whether anyone had applied yet or whether there were certain causes or groups whose applications would be rejected.

But Mr Liu stressed that preserving security and "social order" would be the paramount concerns during the August 8-24 Games.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.