What is freedom of assembly, of procession or of demonstration?

What is freedom of assembly, of procession or of demonstration?

Freedom of assembly

Citizens' freedom to temporarily gather at a public place in the open air to express their views or aspirations.

Freedom of procession

The freedom of people to line up for a march along a public road or across a public place in the open air to express their common aspirations.

Freedom of demonstration

The freedom of people to express their common aspirations, including demands, protests, support or moral support, in the manner of an assembly, a procession, a sit in, etc., at a public place in the open air or along a public road.

Characteristics of freedom of assembly, of procession and of demonstration

Activities conducted by citizens.

Self-value is realized through the activities.

It is a form for citizens to express their aspirations and thoughts.

Procedures for holding an assembly, procession or demonstration

Competent authorities: the municipal or county public security bureaus, or municipal public security sub-bureaus in the localities where the assembly, procession or demonstration is held

Person-in-charge (Persons coming under any of the following categories shall not be a responsible person)

Persons having no capacity for legal conduct

Persons with limited capacity for legal conduct

Convicted persons serving their sentences

Persons undergoing rehabilitation through labor

Persons under criminal compulsory measures

Persons under other legal measures restricting personal freedom

Submission of an application in writing: the person responsible must personally submit an application in writing to the competent public security organ; shall produce his identity card or other valid certificates, and fill in the application and registration form truthfully.

Decision in writing: the competent public security organ shall render a decision in writing to grant or not to grant permission within the statutory period.

Restrictions on assembly, procession or demonstration

To be held in a peaceful manner;

Must not interfere with official duties

Time: 6 a.m.-10 p.m., with the exception of those held by decision or approval of the local people's governments.

Differences between assembly, procession and demonstration

States are different.

Assembly → static state + fixed place

Procession → dynamic state

Demonstration → usu. dynamic state, march in line or in swarms

Intensities for expressing the aspiration are different.

Demonstration Procession Assembly Strongest Lesser degree Weakest

Means of expression are different.

Assembly: people are brought together in one or several places to express their aspirations.

Procession: people express their aspirations along the road.

Demonstration: dynamic demonstrations or sit-in demonstrations or hunger strike