China

Hong Kong Court Rules Against Government Ban of Protest Song

JUL 28 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

On Friday, a Hong Kong high court judge ruled against a government request to ban the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” after it had been inadvertently played at multiple international sporting events instead of China’s national anthem “March of the Volunteers.”
Al Jazeera
The decision also comes as Google has declined to alter its search results to feature China's anthem instead of the protest song when users look up Hong Kong's anthem, with Beijing claiming the song promotes the idea of Hong Kong separatism and threatens the stability of the government.
The Associated Press
However, Judge Anthony Chan says the song, which became an unofficial anthem during Hong Kong’s 2019 protests, says a ban would violate freedom of expression.
guardian
The song is already banned in schools, and Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee says government lawyers will study the judgment.
The Associated Press
The song was written in 2019 during the anti-government protests in response to the now-withdrawn Chinese extradition bill. The song has been sung publicly at least 413 times between 2019 and 2022, and some have been prosecuted for singing it or sharing it on social media.
South China Morning Post

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-China narrative

The paranoid Chinese Communist Party knows that its oppressed people are yearning for freedom and democracy, which is why Beijing loyalists in Hong Kong are desperate to ban “Glory to Hong Kong.” Music has power, and it can ignite a spark in people to challenge the status quo. Despite the government’s best efforts, the people of Hong Kong will be able to sing “Glory to Hong Kong” with pride.

WORLDteen

Pro-China narrative

Hong Kong’s anti-government protest song is a threat to national security that seeks to foment anti-unity sentiment and promote criminal acts. Judge Chan made a grave mistake in his ruling, and government officials will examine all courses of action to protect national security and act in the public's interest.

Global Times