Government and Policy

Shenzhen cancels 'scary' rule governing petitions

By Yan Jie (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-04-27 08:15

Revised version call for new mechanism to solve disputes

BEIJING - The South China city of Shenzhen has backed away from proposals seen as putting excessive control on people petitioning the government.

The restrictions would have banned petitioners from wearing frightening or unpleasant clothing, as well as prohibiting them from mutilating their bodies, using violence or disturbing public order.

"It's difficult in practice to decide whether wearing unpleasant clothing will disturb public order," said Chen Di, director of the legal affairs committee of the Shenzhen People's Congress. "It's too subjective."

Chen said the initial draft of regulations for people who petition the government imposed excess restrictions.

When the proposed local rule was made public in February, it drew massive criticism.

Petitioners in China have at times resorted to violence to make demands or protest alleged unfairness.

In addition, the revised second draft stipulates that no government department or individual should interfere with or obstruct legitimate petitions, added Chen.

The new version of the city's petition rule also requires that a mediation mechanism be set up to settle disputes and conflicts.

The city planned to employ ordinary residents to supervise petition-related work by the government, said Chen.

Results of petitions will be made public under the draft rule.