VietNamNet Bridge - The Hanoi authorities have ordered an end to all unprompted gatherings, demonstrations and marches in the capital city after around ten spontaneous demonstrations against China’s intrusion of Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty in the city.  

General Nguyen Duc Nhanh, director of Hanoi Police Agency, said at a meeting on August 2,
 that Hanoi’s policy is explaining and calling for demonstrators to dismiss, not arrest or suppress them.
In all Sunday from early June to August, unprompted gatherings, demonstrations and marches have taken place in Hanoi. These activities mainly sourced from people’s patriotism.

However, in recent days, hostile forces to the Vietnamese government at home and abroad have appealed, stimulated and guided people to demonstrate and parade, threatening the security and order in the capital, an announcement of the Hanoi government says.

These hostile forces are taking advantage of these patriotic demonstrations to stimulate national hostility and divide Sino-Vietnam relations and gather politic forces, causing politic uncertainty, the report says.

According to the municipal authorities, the unprompted demonstrations had undermined social order, caused political instability, hurt diplomacy and marred the image of Vietnam’s Communist Party and State. They also had a negative impact on the implementation of foreign policies and relations of the government.

The Hanoi government ordered an end to all unprompted gatherings, demonstrations and marches in the city.

The city authorities also warned to take "necessary measures" against anyone who failed to comply with the order.

However, Hanoi authorities also encouraged Vietnamese citizens to participate in patriotic movements, and to contribute to the protection of national sovereignty within the institutional and legal framework of Vietnamese law.

Since early June to July 24, there were eight spontaneous demonstrations at the China Embassy and around the Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. Demonstrators were mainly students, intellectuals and artists. They often gathered at around 8.30 am and dispersed after three hours.

The first demonstration attracted around 300 and then gradually reduced to 50-60 people.

Earlier, General Nguyen Duc Nhanh, director of Hanoi Police Agency, said at a meeting on August 2, that Hanoi’s policy is explaining and calling for demonstrators to dismiss, not arrest or suppress them.

PV