Although the police wisely decided not to use the Public Order Ordinance in an attempt to ban members of the Hong Kong General Association of Recycling Business from staging a vehicle rally on Monday morning, that has not prevented them from applying unnecessary heavy-handedness against the protesters.
Public protest is a constitutional right and demonstrators are legally entitled to freedom of assembly, procession and demonstration under Article 27 of the Basic Law. That 'freedom' should also enable them to appear on the streets in peaceful protest without being subjected to the kind of scrutiny which makes people feel they are under some kind of surveillance.
It was understandable the authorities were concerned at the prospect of a cavalcade of trucks jamming the streets in the morning rush hour. It may even have been practical to note the number plates of vehicles expected to take part.
But it is a very disquieting development to compile a list of factory workers' names who were to take part in the protest. When police visits are made to the workplace of those taking part, it is hardly surprising if people regard that as a form of harassment.
Checking the identity cards of demonstrators now appears to be routine, and it would be interesting to know the purpose behind it. These processions are all videotaped, and the large police presence on marches ensures protesters who break the law are swiftly taken into custody.
The police are quick to point out that demonstrations take place with the same frequency as they did before the handover, and that none have been prevented. That is how it should be. But there is no denying a significant change in policy after police decided it is part of their duty to protect the 'dignity' of international figures. And the general atmosphere is becoming markedly less relaxed, now that lesser mortals, with perfectly innocuous grievances regarding livelihood issues, are being so closely monitored.
