From November 24 on, holding concerts, sports meets, Qigong or other body exercises and other mass congregations in China involving more than 200 participants in public places shall be subject to sanction by public security departments above the county level.

A set of regulatory provisions on the security of mass cultural and sports activities issued by the Ministry of Public security today spelled out the new rules.

If the organizer is an individual not affiliated with government bodies, companies or social institutions, he must first get approval from relevant government departments, the regulations say.

In the event that participants may exceed 3,000, approval by public security body at or above the prefecture level is needed; and the event that involve two or more localities shall get the go- ahead from a higher public security department responsible for these areas.

The Ministry of Public Security said in a press release today that public cultural and sports activities are growing rapidly in number thanks to economic progress and rising living standards.

But due to lack of security measures, many security problems have occurred during such activities, and some have resulted in serious consequences, including injuries and even death, as well as extensive property damage, it claims.

These measures are "for security reasons," the ministry said.

The regulations strictly prohibit nine categories of mass congregations, including those that: violate the fundamental principles of the Constitution, or endanger national security and public order; infringe upon customs of ethnic minorities, violate ethnic unity and instigate national separatism; propagate superstition and heresy, pornography and violence that are detrimental to the health of the people.

In addition, mass congregations shall not be held near places of government agencies above the county level, radio and television stations, foreign embassies and consulates, military establishments and other vital institutions, according to the regulations.

The regulations empower police to levy fines and compulsory measures on those who do not observe these stipulations, emphasizing that organizers are subject to criminal prosecution if crimes are committed. (Xinhua)