As of Thursday (June 15), several streaming platforms have dropped versions of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which is said to be the unofficial anthem of the city’s pro-democracy movement created in 2019, as the government has now sought a ban on the online distribution of the song. This also comes days after the Hong Kong government filed an injunction citing security reasons.&nbsp;

<h2>Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests and its unofficial anthem</h2>

As mass protests raged across the city, in 2019, people would sing ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which was also created in the same year, for months, with the song containing lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/13-face-trail-over-2019-pro-democracy-hong-kong-protests-7-plead-guilty-598090">13 face trial over 2019 pro-democracy Hong Kong protests, 7 plead guilty</a>

As per media reports, the song disappeared from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes, Facebook and Taiwan’s KKBOX, on Wednesday but several music videos were accessible on Youtube, a day later.&nbsp;

The song was distributed by DGX Music, a team of creators with the rights to the title, while “ThomasDGX &amp; HongKongers” are known to be the original composer of the orchestral anthem. A spokesperson from Spotify on Thursday in a short statement to various media outlets said that the song was taken down by the distributor, not by the platform.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-protesters-take-to-streets-in-hong-kong-after-two-years-under-strict-restrictions-575887">Dozens of protesters hit the streets in Hong Kong after two years, under strict restrictions</a>

Meanwhile, DGX Music took to social media and said it was facing some “technical issues unrelated to the streaming platforms” and apologised for the “temporary impact,” as per The Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>Hong Kong government’s injunction against 'Glory'</h2>

Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s government filed an injunction which sought a ban on the broadcast or distribution of the protest song. It is also worth noting that it was not until recently that the song came under scrutiny after it was played at some international events in place of the Chinese anthem.&nbsp;

The move has also reportedly prompted many locals in Hong Kong to download the song in recent days which also pushed it to the top of the charts in Apple’s iTunes store in Hong Kong last week as a court ban loomed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-demands-probe-after-protest-song-replaced-chinese-anthem-at-rugby-match-in-south-korea-533973">Hong Kong demands probe after protest song replaced Chinese anthem at rugby match in South Korea</a>

While the court was to issue a ruling on the case on Monday, it was postponed till July 21 as it has asked the Hong Kong government to be more specific in the scope of its request. Notably, the writ filed by the city’s government on June 5 also included links to 32 YouTube videos related to the song which included instrumental and sign language versions.

The injunction filed by the Department of Justice has alleged the song’s “melody or lyrics or in combination” and called for the ban as it could incite “others to commit secession.”&nbsp;

The Hong Kong government has also sought to “restrain anyone from “broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing (the song) in any way,” as per CNN.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-plays-glory-to-hong-kong-while-paying-tribute-to-queen-held-under-sedition-law-518496">Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law</a>

Hong Kong City official John Lee told reporters they are taking action against ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ as it is “not compatible with the national interest.” He added, “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a duty and obligation to safeguard national security, and we should do it proactively and also preventively.”&nbsp;

The move to ban the unofficial protest song also follows China’s imposition of a sweeping National Security Law in 2020 on Hong Kong which critics said was Beijing’s bid to crack down on dissent during the aftermath of the city-wide democracy protests and reduce its autonomy.

The officials in Hong Kong have also accused Google of featuring the song prominently in its search results. However, the United States-based tech giant has said that it was decided by its algorithm and based on various criteria including popularity and relevance. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-plays-glory-to-hong-kong-while-paying-tribute-to-queen-held-under-sedition-law-518496">Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law</a>

<h2>‘Absurd’: Amnesty International about the looming ban</h2>

The head of Amnesty International’s China team, Sarah Brooks, has called the move to ban ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ &nbsp;by the city’s government “absurd”.&nbsp;

“The Hong Kong government must end its increasingly fervent crackdown on freedom of expression. A song is not a threat to national security, and national security may not be used as an excuse to deny people the right to express different political views,” said Brooks.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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As of Thursday (June 15), several streaming platforms have dropped versions of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which is said to be the unofficial anthem of the city’s pro-democracy movement created in 2019, as the government has now sought a ban on the online distribution of the song.

As of Thursday (June 15), several streaming platforms have dropped versions of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which is said to be the unofficial anthem of the city’s pro-democracy movement created in 2019, as the government has now sought a ban on the online distribution of the song. This also comes days after the Hong Kong government filed an injunction citing security reasons. Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests and its unofficial anthem As mass protests raged across the city, in 2019, people would sing ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which was also created in the same year, for months, with the song containing lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan. ALSO READ | 13 face trial over 2019 pro-democracy Hong Kong protests, 7 plead guilty As per media reports, the song disappeared from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes, Facebook and Taiwan’s KKBOX, on Wednesday but several music videos were accessible on Youtube, a day later. The song was distributed by DGX Music, a team of creators with the rights to the title, while “ThomasDGX & HongKongers” are known to be the original composer of the orchestral anthem. A spokesperson from Spotify on Thursday in a short statement to various media outlets said that the song was taken down by the distributor, not by the platform. ALSO READ | Dozens of protesters hit the streets in Hong Kong after two years, under strict restrictions Meanwhile, DGX Music took to social media and said it was facing some “technical issues unrelated to the streaming platforms” and apologised for the “temporary impact,” as per The Guardian. Hong Kong government’s injunction against 'Glory' Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s government filed an injunction which sought a ban on the broadcast or distribution of the protest song. It is also worth noting that it was not until recently that the song came under scrutiny after it was played at some international events in place of the Chinese anthem. The move has also reportedly prompted many locals in Hong Kong to download the song in recent days which also pushed it to the top of the charts in Apple’s iTunes store in Hong Kong last week as a court ban loomed. ALSO READ | Hong Kong demands probe after protest song replaced Chinese anthem at rugby match in South Korea While the court was to issue a ruling on the case on Monday, it was postponed till July 21 as it has asked the Hong Kong government to be more specific in the scope of its request. Notably, the writ filed by the city’s government on June 5 also included links to 32 YouTube videos related to the song which included instrumental and sign language versions. The injunction filed by the Department of Justice has alleged the song’s “melody or lyrics or in combination” and called for the ban as it could incite “others to commit secession.” The Hong Kong government has also sought to “restrain anyone from “broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing (the song) in any way,” as per CNN. ALSO READ | Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law Hong Kong City official John Lee told reporters they are taking action against ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ as it is “not compatible with the national interest.” He added, “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a duty and obligation to safeguard national security, and we should do it proactively and also preventively.” The move to ban the unofficial protest song also follows China’s imposition of a sweeping National Security Law in 2020 on Hong Kong which critics said was Beijing’s bid to crack down on dissent during the aftermath of the city-wide democracy protests and reduce its autonomy. The officials in Hong Kong have also accused Google of featuring the song prominently in its search results. However, the United States-based tech giant has said that it was decided by its algorithm and based on various criteria including popularity and relevance. ALSO READ | Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law ‘Absurd’: Amnesty International about the looming ban The head of Amnesty International’s China team, Sarah Brooks, has called the move to ban ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ by the city’s government “absurd”. “The Hong Kong government must end its increasingly fervent crackdown on freedom of expression. A song is not a threat to national security, and national security may not be used as an excuse to deny people the right to express different political views,” said Brooks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Glory to Hong Kong’ disappears from major streaming platforms: Here’s why

Foreign ministers from the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia condemned last week's arrest of over 50 democracy activists in Hong Kong in a joint statement on Sunday, calling on China to respect the freedom of the people on the island.

Hong Kong police made the arrests on Wednesday in dawn raids, the biggest crackdown since China imposed a security law in 2020, which opponents say is aimed at quashing dissent in the former British colony.

"It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views," the foreign ministers said in the joint statement issued by Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

"We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention."

Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy advocates were arrested as authorities said last year's unofficial vote to choose opposition candidates in city elections was part of a plan to "overthrow" the government.

On Thursday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington may sanction those involved in the arrests and will send the US&nbsp;ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan.

Foreign ministers from the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia condemned last week's arrest of over 50 democracy activists in Hong Kong in a joint statement on Sunday, calling on China to respect the freedom of the people on the island.

Foreign ministers from the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia condemned last week's arrest of over 50 democracy activists in Hong Kong in a joint statement on Sunday, calling on China to respect the freedom of the people on the island. Hong Kong police made the arrests on Wednesday in dawn raids, the biggest crackdown since China imposed a security law in 2020, which opponents say is aimed at quashing dissent in the former British colony. "It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views," the foreign ministers said in the joint statement issued by Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention." Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy advocates were arrested as authorities said last year's unofficial vote to choose opposition candidates in city elections was part of a plan to "overthrow" the government. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington may sanction those involved in the arrests and will send the US ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan.

US, Canada, Britain, Australia condemn Hong Kong arrests of activists

A few hours after&nbsp;the US, UK, Australia and Canada jointly condemned the arrests of&nbsp;50 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong that took place last week, the Hong Kong government has accused the West of having "double standards". The Hong Kong government called these remarks "slander".

"Safeguarding national security through legislation is in line with international practice," the spokesman said. "We are appalled by remarks made by some overseas government officials that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-britain-australia-condemn-hong-kong-arrests-of-activists-355726">US, Canada, Britain, Australia condemn Hong Kong arrests of activists</a>

The statement was published in the South China Morning Post where the spokesperson also claimed that the arrests were made based on proper evidence and were in strict accordance with the respective laws, and has also claimed that the detainees were trying to 'overthrow' the government.

However, the West countries disagree&nbsp;with this defence.&nbsp;"It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views," the foreign ministers said in the joint statement issued by Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-in-hong-kong-new-year-protest-353987">Thousands rally in Hong Kong New Year protest</a>

"We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention."

The clash of statements came after nearly 50 opposition lawmakers and activists in Hong Kong were arrested on Wednesday after being accused of violating the national security law — which has been denounced and criticised by majority West governments and international human rights groups.

Arrested people included names such as&nbsp;James To Kun-sun, Lam Cheuk-ting, Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu and Wu Chi-wai, as well as pollster Dr Robert Chung Ting-yiu, who helped organise the event.

A few hours after the US, UK, Australia and Canada jointly condemned the arrests of 50 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong that took place last week, the Hong Kong government has accused the West of having "double standards".

A few hours after the US, UK, Australia and Canada jointly condemned the arrests of 50 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong that took place last week, the Hong Kong government has accused the West of having "double standards". The Hong Kong government called these remarks "slander". "Safeguarding national security through legislation is in line with international practice," the spokesman said. "We are appalled by remarks made by some overseas government officials that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions." Also read| US, Canada, Britain, Australia condemn Hong Kong arrests of activists The statement was published in the South China Morning Post where the spokesperson also claimed that the arrests were made based on proper evidence and were in strict accordance with the respective laws, and has also claimed that the detainees were trying to 'overthrow' the government. However, the West countries disagree with this defence. "It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views," the foreign ministers said in the joint statement issued by Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Also read| Thousands rally in Hong Kong New Year protest "We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention." The clash of statements came after nearly 50 opposition lawmakers and activists in Hong Kong were arrested on Wednesday after being accused of violating the national security law — which has been denounced and criticised by majority West governments and international human rights groups. Arrested people included names such as James To Kun-sun, Lam Cheuk-ting, Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu and Wu Chi-wai, as well as pollster Dr Robert Chung Ting-yiu, who helped organise the event.

Hong Kong slams West for 'double standards' after allegations of illegal arrests of activists

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law.&nbsp;

"After much internal deliberation, we have decided to disband and cease all operation as a group given the circumstances," Demosisto said on Twitter.

China had bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature to pass the law six weeks after announcing it. The&nbsp;law is set to criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-lawmaking-body-passes-hong-kong-national-security-law-309529" hreflang="en">China's top lawmaking body passes Hong Kong national security law</a>

The country&nbsp;had agreed before Britain handed Hong Kong in 1997 that it would let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, but critics say the national security law overlooks those liberties for Hong Kong citizens.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had said that "it is not appropriate for me to comment on any questions related to the national security law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activists-joshua-wong-nathan-law-quit-democracy-group-demosisto-309544" hreflang="en">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow announced their withdrawal from the group on Facebook.

Wong has said he will be a “prime target” of Beijing’s national security law, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony.

Demosisto was founded in 2016 as a political platform and sought to field candidates for legislative elections. However, its candidates were repeatedly barred from standing for election with authorities citing their stance on “self-determination” for the city.

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law.

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law. "After much internal deliberation, we have decided to disband and cease all operation as a group given the circumstances," Demosisto said on Twitter. China had bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature to pass the law six weeks after announcing it. The law is set to criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong. Also read: China's top lawmaking body passes Hong Kong national security law The country had agreed before Britain handed Hong Kong in 1997 that it would let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, but critics say the national security law overlooks those liberties for Hong Kong citizens. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had said that "it is not appropriate for me to comment on any questions related to the national security law." Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto Earlier, Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow announced their withdrawal from the group on Facebook. Wong has said he will be a “prime target” of Beijing’s national security law, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony. Demosisto was founded in 2016 as a political platform and sought to field candidates for legislative elections. However, its candidates were repeatedly barred from standing for election with authorities citing their stance on “self-determination” for the city.

Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears

Carrie lam,&nbsp;the chief executive of Hong Kong went from unassuming bureaucrat to the face of Beijing’s authoritarian influence in Hong Kong and sparked a mass uprising along the way.

She is called the person who sold her city to China. A career bureaucrat, who takes orders from Beijing.

Her tenure has seen two violent protests and, the freedom of her people is being taken away. China is drafting the new national security law, she must be thinking — her political aspirations have truly led to the loss of freedom.

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Not only for her people, even for herself when the British left Hong Kong in 1997.No one saw the political ambitions of a local civil servant Carrie lam stopped dressing in Margaret Thatcher-like suits and — began to don the traditional Chinese cheongsams. The shift in her allegiance was complete.

Today — she is the chief executive of Hong Kong but the history will judge her as the person who sold Hong Kong to China.

She has choked her citizens with tear gas and — bruised them with rubber bullets.

Beijing admires Carrie Lam for this ability a bureaucrat by training — she finds it easier to take instructions from her masters in China Xi Jinping became the president of China in 2013.

One year later, the umbrella revolution broke out in Hong Kong. China had proposed reforms to the Hong Kong electoral system. It wanted a bigger say in selecting the chief executive of Hong Kong.

Carrie lam caught Beijing’s attention in 2017 — she was chosen to be the chief executive of Hong Kong. She became the first woman to ever hold the position. She was sworn in by Xi Jinping himself.

Once she took office — she did Beijing’s bidding suppressing pro-democracy activists with an unprecedented force in 2018 — she banned the pro-independence Hong Kong national party. This is the turning point in Carrie Lam’s story. Pro-democracy activists began to condemn her, calling her china’s puppet. In mid-2019 — the fears came true, Carrie lam’s government introduced the extradition bill.

This was China’s plan to instil fear in pro-democracy activists.&nbsp;

Protests followed the Hong Kong police fired 150 rounds of tear gas. In an interview — Carrie Lam broke down when asked if she had betrayed Hong Kong.

The protestors demanded Carrie Lam’s resignation. She soon withdrew the bill and apologized to Hong Kong’s residents. In December — Carrie Lam faced an impeachment motion for mishandling the extradition bill and the protests. The majority of pro-china legislators bailed her out.

But — Beijing was not happy with the way she cowered due to public pressure. Now — China has decided to take matters into its own hands with the national security law. A law that will make protests illegal and curb free speech.

Still, Carrie Lam calls her people 'the enemies'. She is speaking for China, not Hong Kong. She has put 9,000 protesters in jail since last year. Her transformation is complete. The same Carrie Lam was a pro-democracy activist during her student days.

Carrie lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong went from unassuming bureaucrat to the face of Beijing’s authoritarian influence in Hong Kong and sparked a mass uprising along the way.

Carrie lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong went from unassuming bureaucrat to the face of Beijing’s authoritarian influence in Hong Kong and sparked a mass uprising along the way. She is called the person who sold her city to China. A career bureaucrat, who takes orders from Beijing. Her tenure has seen two violent protests and, the freedom of her people is being taken away. China is drafting the new national security law, she must be thinking — her political aspirations have truly led to the loss of freedom. Not only for her people, even for herself when the British left Hong Kong in 1997.No one saw the political ambitions of a local civil servant Carrie lam stopped dressing in Margaret Thatcher-like suits and — began to don the traditional Chinese cheongsams. The shift in her allegiance was complete. Today — she is the chief executive of Hong Kong but the history will judge her as the person who sold Hong Kong to China. She has choked her citizens with tear gas and — bruised them with rubber bullets. Beijing admires Carrie Lam for this ability a bureaucrat by training — she finds it easier to take instructions from her masters in China Xi Jinping became the president of China in 2013. One year later, the umbrella revolution broke out in Hong Kong. China had proposed reforms to the Hong Kong electoral system. It wanted a bigger say in selecting the chief executive of Hong Kong. Carrie lam caught Beijing’s attention in 2017 — she was chosen to be the chief executive of Hong Kong. She became the first woman to ever hold the position. She was sworn in by Xi Jinping himself. Once she took office — she did Beijing’s bidding suppressing pro-democracy activists with an unprecedented force in 2018 — she banned the pro-independence Hong Kong national party. This is the turning point in Carrie Lam’s story. Pro-democracy activists began to condemn her, calling her china’s puppet. In mid-2019 — the fears came true, Carrie lam’s government introduced the extradition bill. This was China’s plan to instil fear in pro-democracy activists. Protests followed the Hong Kong police fired 150 rounds of tear gas. In an interview — Carrie Lam broke down when asked if she had betrayed Hong Kong. The protestors demanded Carrie Lam’s resignation. She soon withdrew the bill and apologized to Hong Kong’s residents. In December — Carrie Lam faced an impeachment motion for mishandling the extradition bill and the protests. The majority of pro-china legislators bailed her out. But — Beijing was not happy with the way she cowered due to public pressure. Now — China has decided to take matters into its own hands with the national security law. A law that will make protests illegal and curb free speech. Still, Carrie Lam calls her people 'the enemies'. She is speaking for China, not Hong Kong. She has put 9,000 protesters in jail since last year. Her transformation is complete. The same Carrie Lam was a pro-democracy activist during her student days.

China's puppet in Hong Kong Carrie Lam: A leader who killed her own city

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday urged opponents of Beijing's plan to impose national security legislation in the financial hub to stop "smearing" the effort, saying those who did were "the enemy of the people".

Her comments come on the first anniversary of what organisers said was a 'two million'&nbsp;protest in Hong Kong history.

Beijing last month announced a plan to introduce legislation in Hong Kong to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference and which could see Chinese security agencies set up bases in the city.

Critics see the law as the most serious threat to a "one country, two systems" formula, agreed when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997, aimed at ensuring its freedoms and role as a global financial centre.

''I urge those who have been resorting to demonising and stigmatising [the law] to stop. When they do this, they are pitching themselves against Hong Kong residents, who want stability again – they want a safe environment, work and life,''&nbsp;she said on Tuesday ahead of her weekly Executive Council meeting.

''The common goal must be for Hong Kong to resume stability. It has been said the law will only to target a handful of people who are acting in a way that undermines national security,''&nbsp;she added. ''We are talking about protecting the vast majority of Hong Kong people and their legitimate rights and interests.''

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Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday urged opponents of Beijing's plan to impose national security legislation in the financial hub to stop "smearing" the effort, saying those who did were "the enemy of the people".

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday urged opponents of Beijing's plan to impose national security legislation in the financial hub to stop "smearing" the effort, saying those who did were "the enemy of the people". Her comments come on the first anniversary of what organisers said was a 'two million' protest in Hong Kong history. Beijing last month announced a plan to introduce legislation in Hong Kong to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference and which could see Chinese security agencies set up bases in the city. Critics see the law as the most serious threat to a "one country, two systems" formula, agreed when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997, aimed at ensuring its freedoms and role as a global financial centre. ''I urge those who have been resorting to demonising and stigmatising [the law] to stop. When they do this, they are pitching themselves against Hong Kong residents, who want stability again – they want a safe environment, work and life,'' she said on Tuesday ahead of her weekly Executive Council meeting. ''The common goal must be for Hong Kong to resume stability. It has been said the law will only to target a handful of people who are acting in a way that undermines national security,'' she added. ''We are talking about protecting the vast majority of Hong Kong people and their legitimate rights and interests.''

Opponents of security law are 'enemy of the people', says Hong Kong chief Carrie Lam

Last year on June 9 more than a million people took to the streets of Hong Kong opposing the extradition bill drafted by China. Today the same protestors are facing brutal police force. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong opposed the extradition bill, What is the extradition bill?

What is HK extradition bill? Hong Kong pro-democracy protests