A Hong Kong court has banned a protest song, 'Glory to Hong Kong,' that was popular during pro-democracy demonstrations. Authorities then demanded that online platforms remove it.

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong's Court of Appeal has issued a ruling to ban "Glory to Hong Kong," a song that became emblematic of the pro-democracy protests in the region. This decision comes after a lower court had previously rejected the government's request to outlaw the song, citing concerns over the potential impact on freedom of speech. 

"Glory to Hong Kong" emerged in 2019 during the height of the protests against the government's policies, quickly being adopted by many as an unofficial anthem in opposition to China's national anthem, "March of the Volunteers." The government's successful effort to ban the song marks a significant legal victory, further demanding online platforms to remove the anthem from their services.

Authorities insist that the removal of the song from internet services is a critical step towards ensuring national security. The ban specifically targets any distribution or broadcasting of the song that could incite secession or insult the national anthem. Beijing has expressed support for the court's decision, stating that prohibiting the spread of "Glory to Hong Kong" with the intent of inciting divisions or disrespect towards the national anthem is a necessary measure for maintaining security.

This ruling has raised concerns among critics regarding the ongoing crackdown on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. The measures taken by Beijing, which include the jailing of opposition figures and the closure of media outlets, are seen as contributing to what many view as the erosion of the region's legal and democratic foundations.



Hong Kong bans protest anthem after court case win

An anthem which united crowds of protesters at the height of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Written in 2019, Glory to Hong Kong had become an unofficial national anthem rather than China's March of the Volunteers. This Wednesday, Hong Kong's Court of Appeal granted an application by the government to ban the song, overturning a lower court judgment that had rejected such a measure due to possible chilling effects on free speech. Authorities then demanded online platforms take the song down. The government and the Hong Kong public reasonably expect that the internet service providers will be true to their word. The court ruling targets those who broadcast or distribute the song with the intention of inciting others to commit secession. Beijing defended the movement. Stopping anyone from employing or spreading the relevant song with the intention of inciting divisions and insulting the national anthem is a legitimate and necessary measure by the S.A.R. to fulfill its responsibility of safeguarding national security. The ruling comes amid what critics say is an erosion in Hong Kong's rule of law and rights, amid a major security crackdown by Beijing that has jailed several dozen opposition figures and shut down media outlets.

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