Vietnam to tighten protest rules
The Vietnamese government says it plans to
issue a decree to tighten controls on public
demonstrations.
The authorities say the aim is to prevent
violence breaking out at some protests.
The chairman of the Government Office,
minister Doan Manh Giao, told the state-run
Lao Dong newspaper that a decree would be
issued, ahead of a new law on demonstrations
and public gatherings, as the law-making
process may take some time.
It is expected to provide clearer guidance on
the rules governing the organisation and
conduct of public gatherings.
There has been an increasing number of
demonstrations over land expropriation and
corruption in rural areas.
Mr Giao criticised these protests as abusing
democratic rights and urged that those taking
part be severely punished.
Correspondents say the government hopes the
decree will help prevent violent protests such
as one last November when eight policemen in
the northern province of Ha Tay were injured
in clashes with local demonstrators.
BBC News - January 13, 2003.
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