Hong Kong Court Says No to Protest Song, Calls it a “Weapon”

Hong Kong’s higher court has made a big decision against free speech by banning the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.” This overturns an earlier ruling and allows the government to block the song, saying it could be used as a “weapon” to stir up secession and sedition. Critics see this as part of an ongoing loss of rule of law and individual rights in Hong Kong, as Beijing cracks down on opposition and shuts down the media.

Court Says Song Is Bad

In a very controversial decision, Hong Kong’s higher court has allowed the government to ban the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.” The ruling goes against a previous court that said no to a ban due to concerns over limiting free speech.

The judges, Jeremy Poon, Carlye Chu, and Anthea Pang, said the song’s creator meant for it to be used as a “weapon.” They argued, “In the hands of those wanting to incite secession and sedition, the song can be used to stir up anti-government feelings.”

Impacts on Internet Freedom

The ruling has big impacts for internet freedoms and companies like internet platforms and tech giants like Google. The judges wrote, “An order is needed to persuade the internet platforms to remove problematic videos with the song from their sites.”

While the platforms didn’t take part, the judges noted they said they would follow a court order. Google said it is reviewing the ruling after earlier refusing to change search results to show China’s anthem instead of the protest song.

Loss of Rights and Freedoms

Critics argue that banning “Glory to Hong Kong” is the latest hit to the reputation of a city once proud of having an independent court system and protecting free sharing of information and ideas.

The U.S. State Department expressed concerns over the loss of rights in Hong Kong, saying the ban is “the latest hit to the reputation of a city that was once proud of its independent courts, protecting the free sharing of information, ideas and goods.”

Beijing’s Tighter Control

The former British territory returned to China in 1997 with the promise its freedoms would continue under “one country, two systems.” However, critics say Beijing has increasingly tightened its control over Hong Kong.

The protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” was written in 2019 during major pro-democracy protests that year and was considered an unofficial national anthem, rather than China’s “March of the Volunteers.”

The government appealed after a lower court refused to ban the protest anthem last July, citing potential limits on free speech.