When determining conditions of public meetings and processions the principal criteria is to ensure order, Secretary for Security Regina Ip said today.

Responding to a question from James To in the Legislative Council, Mrs Ip said conditions are imposed for the safety of participants and the public, and said an event will be approved as long as it does not hinder others' rights and freedoms.

"The event will normally be allowed to proceed if it remains peaceful and does not affect public order or public safety," she said.

"However, evidence will be collected and legal advice sought on whether prosecution action should be taken."

Regarding the meeting and procession on December 15 by groups opposing Basic Law Article 23, she said Police imposed 21 conditions in accordance with the Public Order Ordinance.

Organisers were asked to arrange enough marshals to maintain the order of the procession, and ensure no dangerous goods were carried in participating vehicles.

Mrs Ip said if such conditions are contravened, the Police commander at the scene can give warnings to people running the event.