24 Jul 2008

Some protests to be allowed during Olympics

6:00 am on 24 July 2008

The Chinese government says it will allow demonstrators to stage legal protests in three large public parks in Beijing during the Olympic Games.

The official in charge of security at the Games says the police are trying to strike a balance between safety considerations and the desire by protesters to express their opinions.

The move is seen as recognition by the Chinese authorities of the need to allow protests during the games, although protesters will still need to get approval from the authorities to stage their demonstration.