Hong Kong, May 8 (EFE).- An appeals court on Wednesday upheld the government’s decision to ban the 2019 protest anthem, “Glory to Hong Kong,” reversing a previous ruling by a lower court that had favored the song’s legality.
The lower court had refused to toe the government line, saying the ban could “undermine freedom of expression and have intimidating effects.”
In June of last year, the government, citing its alleged “seditious intent,” sought an order from the High Court to restrict the song, which was penned during the massive anti-government demonstrations in 2019.
The government of the former British colony wants to prevent the dissemination or performance of the song as the national anthem of Hong Kong, citing concerns about offending authorities, safeguarding national security, and preserving the dignity of the composition.
Authorities expressed their intent to obtain a court order after incidents at international sporting events where organizers mistakenly played the song instead of China’s official national anthem, “March of the Volunteers.”
Blaming Google for displaying the song erroneously under the search phrase “Hong Kong national anthem,” the government accused the tech giant of refusing to adjust its algorithm manually to ensure accuracy.
The administration emphasized that the widespread dissemination of the song violated Hong Kong’s National Security Law, which covers acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, and carries severe penalties.
A Hong Kong court initially rejected the government’s request to ban the song on national security grounds, arguing that such a measure could impede freedom of expression.
However, the justice department filed an appeal, contending that the judge erred in dismissing the request and asserting that the Chief Executive should be given deference in national security matters.
The appeal sought to restrict the transmission, performance, publication, distribution, and reproduction of the song in any form, including online.
“Glory to Hong Kong,” composed by a musician known by the pseudonym “Thomas dgx yhl,” gained prominence during the 2019 protests, with contributions from users of the LIHKG forum.
For some Hong Kongers, particularly supporters of independence and the democratic movement, the song served to assert their stance against closer ties with mainland China. EFE
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