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.
Maradona’s missing trophy has resurfaced and will be auctioned in Paris
Roman Josi's 2 goals and 2 assists lead Predators over Blue Jackets 6
Paintsil, Fagúndez spark Galaxy to 3
Dubois, Roy end long goal droughts to propel Kings to 3
Former corrections officer sentenced to 4 years for using excessive force
Brad Marchand caps Bruins' four
Thailand: Water guns in full blast to mark New Year festivities
Sports equipment exports from Yiwu to France surge 70 percent ahead of Paris Olympics
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: US officials sink Prince Harry's 'vague' plan to trademark Sentebale charity
Quavo takes swipe at Chris Brown's history of domestic violence and calls out his ex
Scores of Syrians return home after years at camp housing people linked to the Islamic State group
Interview: China responsible, proactive player in global climate governance, says Kuwaiti expert