Hong Kong appeals court backs ban on protest anthem 'Glory to Hong Kong'

A Hong Kong appeals court has supported the government's move to ban 'Glory to Hong Kong,' a song that emerged during the 2019 protests in Hong Kong and quickly became an anthem for the pro-democracy movement.

The song's lyrics express sentiments of resilience among the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for freedom and democracy. Last year, in a ruling, a Hong Kong court dismissed a contentious injunction sought by the city's government to prohibit the widely embraced anthem.

The legal dispute had sparked apprehensions regarding the escalating government regulation of online expression within the city. The court's rejection of the injunction bid at that time highlighted that the dissemination of the song is already subject to punishment under Hong Kong's National Security Law, a piece of legislation imposed by China in June 2020 that aims to prevent and punish acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, which are perceived as threats to national security.

Now, the Court of Appeal judges announced their decision on Wednesday (May 8) banning the song that gained popularity through social media and was sung by protesters during demonstrations. Its stirring melody and powerful lyrics resonated deeply with many Hong Kongers and served as a rallying cry for their cause.

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The song, associated with the 2019 protests, has been perceived as the city's anthem, particularly evident in instances where it was played instead of China's anthem at international sporting events.

During the appeal, the government's representative referenced an interview where the song's composer referred to it as a "weapon" that contributed to the 2019 protests. Senior Counsel Benjamin Yu during the proceedings said, "The song is regarded by the composer himself as a weapon."

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Despite the enactment of the national security law, which aimed to quell dissent, 'Glory to Hong Kong' was played over 800 times, according to police estimates cited by Yu.

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The judges ruled that its slogan could incite secession, an offence under the national security law.

Hong Kong authorities requested Google to remove the song from search results and prioritise correct information, although Google requested evidence of the song's violation of local laws.

(With inputs from agencies)