Foreigners told to behave at the Beijing Olympics

Written only in Chinese and posted of the organizers' official website, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.

The document, not immediately available in English, also said having Olympic tickets is no guarantee of getting a visa to enter China.

"Those holding Olympic tickets are not guaranteed of being granted a visa," the guide said. "They still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."

Fearing protests during the Aug. 8-24 Olympics, China's authoritarian government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.

The government is hoping to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.

"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given. ... Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."

The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sporting venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner in an Olympic venue "that disturbs the public order."

The guidelines seems to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.

"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. "It's a human right. Athletes have it."

"Foreigners must respect Chinese laws while in China and must not harm China's national security or damage the social order."

The legal guide covers a wide range of subjects for foreigners, from their entry, exit and tourism to accommodation and transportation in the country.

It warns overseas visitors against shouting insulting slogans or displaying them on banners, and forbids the display of religious, political or racial banners at sports venues.

Detailing some other activities forbidden at cultural and sport events, the guide warns against attacking referees or players and lighting of fireworks.

Foreign spectators cannot take Olympic tickets as a license to getting visas. Instead, they have "to apply for visas in accordance with the rules of the Chinese embassies" in their countries.

Weapons (real and imitation) ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency notes, narcotics and poisons are some of the items not allowed into China, the guide says.

The guide explains some of the relevant Chinese laws in 57 question-and-answer forms, offering "legal reference for foreign athletes, officials, reporters and tourists to know and obey related Chinese laws during their stay in China for the Olympic Games".

It makes it clear that an organizer has to apply to police and obtain permission before holding a public gathering, parade or protest. Those doing so otherwise face administrative punishments and/or criminal prosecution.

It lists the numbers of some emergency services such as hospitals and fire brigade, too.

The guide was prepared by the legal affairs office of Beijing municipality and other government departments, and its English version will be issued soon, BOCOG sources said.

Apology for manual

The BOCOG has apologized for the language used in a manual for volunteers to describe physically challenged athletes.

The English-language manual has stereotypes, which Zhang Qiuping, director of Beijing's Paralympic Games, has said was the result of "poor translation".

"We would like to express our deepest apologies to the organizations, athletes with disabilities and friends who were offended by our publication," the BOCOG said in a statement Monday.

The organizing committee has recalled the manual and is correcting the discrepancies.

The book offered guidance to volunteers on a wide range of subjects, from how to serve the physically challenged to the basic rules of the Paralympics. About 30,000 volunteers have signed up to work for the Sept 6-17 Paralympic Games.