BOCOG To Set Up Three Special Protest Zones For Activists At Games
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Liu Says Beijing Will Establish Designated
Protest Zones During Olympics |
BOCOG Dir of Security Liu Shaowu yesterday said that Beijing will "set up specially designated protest zones in three public parks during next month's Olympics," according to Maureen Fan of the WASHINGTON POST. Liu said that the "'protest pens' will be set up in the 115-acre World Park in southwestern Beijing's Fengtai district, in the Purple Bamboo Park in the western Haidian district, and in Ritan Park in the downtown embassy district." The protest zones, "reminiscent of areas set aside for demonstrators in previous Olympics, ... represent the first concrete response by China to the prospect of clashes with foreign activists." The move is "in line with Beijing's promise to the [IOC] to adhere to Olympic traditions such as free expression outside sporting venues." But Fan notes protesters, under Chinese law, will "still be required to apply in advance for approval to demonstrate," and the the law "requires that requests be made five days in advance." Also, any applications that "harm the country's unity, sovereignty and integrity" will not be granted. The required applications have prompted some to "dismiss the city's move as an empty gesture" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/24). USA TODAY's Calum MacLeod reports Liu's announcement was "met with skepticism Wednesday from activists who doubt the government will grant the permits they need to demonstrate." Liu: "As long as the demonstration has been approved, China's police will protect the demonstrators' legal rights according to the law." But Chinese writer Liu Xiaobo, who participated in the '89 Tiananmen Square protests, said, "If anyone protests outside these venues, the police can use any measures to stop them" (USA TODAY, 7/24).
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Activists Would Like To See Protest Zones, Like
The One In World Park, To Remain After Games |
EMPTY GESTURE? In N.Y., Jim Yardley notes it remains "unclear whether international advocacy groups on issues like Tibet, Darfur and broader human rights would be able to secure the bureaucratic approvals needed to use the protest zones and whether they would be arrested if they held demonstrations elsewhere in Beijing." The prohibitions on what can be legally protested "can be interpreted so broadly that most legal protests are not approved." Legal-rights activist Jiang Tianyong: "This is only a show for foreigners. Otherwise, I'd love to see these three places be kept after the Olympics so we can let our voices be heard, too" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/24). Human Rights Watch China Research Dir Nicholas Bequelin said the organization is "concerned about the possibility that the authorities might use the existence of these zones to justify repressive measures against demonstrators outside of the zones" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 7/24). Bequelin added that the move "appeared designed to allow China and the [IOC] 'to pretend they respect rights to demonstrate when in fact they don't'" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/24). Univ. of Missouri-St. Louis professor Susan Brownell said of the move, "It was about placating the West. They were really concerned about social order" (SEATTLETIMES.com, 7/24). Dream for Darfur Exec Dir Jill Savitt: "This is not a nod to free speech. It's the ultimate example of control. What better way is there for Beijing to find out who the people with grievances are?" (TORONTO STAR, 7/24).
KEEP 'EM SEPARATED: In Melbourne, Mary-Anne Toy notes all three parks where protests can take place are "at least 11-12 kilometres away from the main Olympic Green, where the Bird's Nest national stadium, the Water Cube Aquatic Centre, the athlete's village and media centres are located." It is "unclear whether the media will be able to cover protests," but at least two of the parks "ban commercial photography or filming" (Melbourne AGE, 7/24). In London, Jane Macartney writes the protest zones enable Beijing to "show the world it can be tolerant of open debate while preventing its people from seeing any demonstrations." The parks are located "in corners of Beijing," and they are "screened off by fences or trees that ensure passers-by will not see any demonstrations -- if any are approved" (LONDON TIMES, 7/24).
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