Hong Kong’s government has secured a significant legal victory allowing it to outlaw the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” under the city’s national security laws. This decision comes after the High Court had previously rejected the government’s attempt to ban the song, citing concerns about its impact on free speech. However, an appeals court overturned this ruling on Wednesday, raising fears about further erosion of freedoms in the city.
Amnesty International condemned the government’s move, describing the ban as both ludicrous and dangerous. The court’s decision permits the song to be used for academic or news purposes but prohibits its broadcast, performance, sharing, or reproduction if intended to incite secession or sedition against the Hong Kong government. Breaching the ban could result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Additionally, it is now illegal to advocate for Hong Kong’s separation from China or present the song as the territory’s anthem. Chinese authorities supported the ban, framing it as a necessary measure to safeguard national security.
Amnesty’s China Director criticized the ban as a violation of international human rights law, emphasizing that singing a protest song should never be considered a crime or a threat to national security.
“Glory to Hong Kong,” sung in Cantonese, gained prominence during the 2019 pro-democracy protests and became the unofficial anthem of the movement. Its lyrics, including calls for Hong Kong’s liberation and references to revolution, have been deemed subversive by authorities.
Although the new ban clarifies the song’s prohibited usage, individuals in Hong Kong have already faced consequences under national security laws for playing it. The ban extends to schools since 2020, and internet platforms have been pressured to remove the song, albeit unsuccessfully.
The appeal court’s decision to uphold the ban underscores the government’s determination to suppress dissenting voices under the guise of safeguarding national security. Despite widespread opposition and criticism, the crackdown on expressions of dissent continues in Hong Kong, signaling a further erosion of democratic freedoms in the city.
