What separates heckling from unlawful interference during election campaigns?

As Okinawa Prefecture’s gubernatorial race picks up steam ahead of the Sept. 13 election, a familiar question is resurfacing: When does a person’s right to shout criticism become unlawful interference? On Monday, representatives of an organization supporting two-term Gov. Denny Tamaki’s reelection asked the Okinawa Prefectural Police to strengthen security, alleging repeated close-range verbal protests and disruptions during its campaign rallies.

While acknowledging that heckling falls within a constitutionally protected right, he added the interference faced by the organization at its rallies had gone beyond acceptable boundaries.