Its rapid change gave the impression that the desire and intent of the incoming administration was to alter the Public Order Ordinance to use in control of demonstrations, rallies, and organisations that it feels might be politically threatening. This notice requirement is very harsh, although police may exercise discretionary power. In effect, it is an indirect permit system, although the government denies this. It empowers the police to reject an application on national security grounds. Thus, political conviction, rather than conduct, is made grounds for limits to the freedom of expression.
Police have a wide range of powers to impose conditions on and stop demonstrations.
Demonstrators usually find this unacceptable, which has often resulted in conflict, arrest and prosecution. The maximum penalty for failure to notify the police of a demonstration or rally is five years imprisonment. This is too harsh for an offense that should be decriminalised. Such an excessive penalty goes against all internationally accepted practices. Although the Department of Justice finally gave in to public pressure and decided not to prosecute the students charged under the Public Order Ordinance, the legislation in its present form denies people the right to express themselves and peacefully assemble.