Tiananmen Square off-limits to the public on China's National Day
China gets to celebrate October 1 by executing 36 people.
Beijing (AsiaNews/SCMP) Beijing police is gearing up for Friday's National Day by putting in place extra security to curb possible demonstrations and "terrorist acts".
Authorities said they want to guarantee "a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere" to welcome the 55th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on October 1.
For the first time, the raising of the flag will be done with Tiananmen Square off-limits to the public. Last year's ceremony was attended by about 200,000 people. This year only a few thousands will be allowed. A city official in fact confirmed that Thursday ceremonies will be open only "to invited officials and businessmen".
Five Beijing public parks will also be closed on Thursday and Friday. A Beihai Park administrator said employees were told that "political events" would take place on Friday after rehearsal on Thursday.
After the recent terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia, Chinese authorities seem concerned that terrorism might come to China. However, with the exception of militants from the East Turketan Islamic Movement, Beijing has never been threatened by terrorism.
It is more likely the authorities are afraid that people might take advantage of the National Day to stage street demonstrations or organise opposition.
For similar reasons, thousands of political dissidents and human rights activists were jailed ahead of the recent Communist Party congress.
As is now customary for the days leading up to the October 1 celebrations, several death sentences were carried out. This year 36 people sentenced for robbery, corruption, and murder were executed.
Each year some 10,000 people are put to death in China making it the world's leader in death sentence execution.
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