The government of Hong Kong has announced that they are taking legal action to prevent the broadcasting or sharing of the protest song "Glory to Hong Kong," which was accidentally played instead of the city's official anthem at multiple international sporting events over the last year.
The Department of Justice has requested a court order to prevent any illegal activities associated with the song that became a symbol of the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations. The department is waiting for the court's decision and a hearing date to be scheduled, as reported by APNews.
The authorities have stated that the song's lyrics include phrases that have been determined by the court to promote separatism. They also believe the song will continue to be popular since it was played as Hong Kong's anthem instead of China's national anthem, "March of the Volunteers."
Promoting Separatism?
In 2021, the government made it illegal to use the protest phrase "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" as it was seen as promoting separatism and undermining the state. The lyrics of "Glory to Hong Kong" include elements of this slogan, which resulted in it being widely perceived as prohibited.
Hong Kong aimed to forbid individuals from sharing, selling, distributing, or promoting the protest song or any version that closely resembles the original in its lyrics and melody.
The injunction applies explicitly to those who use the song "Glory to Hong Kong" to promote the separation of Hong Kong from China, encourage others to commit acts of rebellion or sedition, claim that Hong Kong is independent, or criticize the national anthem.
The injunction aims to prevent those who enable others to commit similar acts. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government acknowledges and values the rights and freedoms protected by the Basic Law, including freedom of speech, but emphasizes that this freedom is not absolute. According to the statement attached, the injunction is necessary to protect national security and is reasonable, legitimate, and consistent with the Bill of Rights.
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An Ongoing Struggle
The decision to ban the protest phrase and song has been controversial, with some arguing that it violates freedom of speech. However, others argue that promoting separatism undermines the unity and stability of Hong Kong as part of China.
In recent years, there have been ongoing protests in Hong Kong over concerns about increasing Chinese influence and the erosion of democratic freedoms. The government's response to these protests has often involved cracking down on dissenting voices through arrests and censorship.
Despite this crackdown, many protesters express their views through peaceful demonstrations or online activism. Some have also turned to alternative forms of expression, such as art or music.
It remains unclear how effective the injunction will be at stopping people from sharing "Glory to Hong Kong" or other similar content related to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, it highlights an ongoing struggle between those seeking greater autonomy for Hong Kong and those advocating closer ties with mainland China.
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