Fire-eater can't swallow being charged
A street performer appeared in Kowloon City Court this week to answer a police summons for causing a public disturbance.
The case was dropped, but So Chun-chau, 46, was still angry.
He said the government claimed it promoted cultural activities yet he had no idea where to apply for a performance licence. The judge replied he was interested only in the facts of the case.
Outside court, Mr So told Ming Pao Daily that street performance could reduce the crime rate, engender a sense of belonging among neighbours and introduce young people to the arts. He couldn't understand why artists like himself were being penalised instead of being promoted.
What was Mr So's performance at the time of the summons for disturbance in April? Swallowing fire in a Mongkok street! It was perfectly safe: he only inhaled.
Maybe the judge should have advised him to check with the Fire Services Department next time.
