HONG KONG (AP) — An appeals court Wednesday granted the Hong Kong government’s request to ban a popular protest song, overturning an earlier ruling and deepening concerns over the erosion of freedoms in the once-freewheeling global financial hub.
“Glory to Hong Kong” was often sung by demonstrators during the huge anti-government protests in 2019. The song was later mistakenly played as the city’s anthem at international sporting events, instead of China’s “March of the Volunteers,” in mix-ups that upset city officials.
Critics have said prohibiting broadcast or distribution of the song further reduces freedom of expression since Beijing launched a crackdown in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests. They have also warned the ban might disrupt the operation of tech giants and hurt the city’s appeal as a business center.
Judge Jeremy Poon wrote that the composer intended for the song to be a “weapon” and so it had become, pointing to its power in arousing emotions among some residents of the city.
2 young children die after being swept away by fast
REVEALED: The US cities where home prices have DOUBLED the fastest
Xinjiang sees record number of high
Germany's Scholz arrives in China on a visit marked by trade tensions and Ukraine conflict
Fred Sirieix cosies up to his fiancé Fruitcake who wows in a figure
Barges break loose on Ohio River in Pittsburgh, damaging a marina and striking a bridge
REVEALED: The US cities where home prices have DOUBLED the fastest
Panel discussions held during BFA Annual Conference 2024
James Argent showcases his toned arms following 14
Chinese C919 jetliner arrives in Singapore to attend airshow
A timeline of the collapse at FTX
Comedy films dominate as China's Spring Festival box office hits record high