A Hong Kong appeals court on Wednesday granted a government request to ban a protest anthem called “Glory to Hong Kong”, reversing a decision by a lower court that had rejected the ban due to its “chilling effects”. ” to freedom of expression.
The appeals court's ruling came amid what critics say is an erosion of the rule of law and individual rights in Hong Kong, with a security crackdown by Beijing that has landed dozens of opposition Democrats in prison and shut down media outlets. liberal communication.
The case has implications for internet freedoms and the operations of companies such as internet platform operators (IPOs) and technology companies such as Google.
Court of Appeal judges Jeremy Poon, Carlye Chu and Anthea Pang wrote that the song's composer intended to use it as a weapon.
“In the hands of those intent on inciting secession and sedition, music can be used to arouse anti-establishment sentiment,” the justices wrote.
“Although the IPOs did not participate in the proceedings, they indicated that they are ready to comply with the Government’s request if there is a court order.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a press briefing: “Preventing anyone from using or disseminating the song in question… is a legitimate and necessary measure by (Hong Kong) to fulfill its responsibility to protect national security.”
Hong Kong does not have its own anthem. “Glory to Hong Kong” was composed in 2019, during huge pro-democracy protests, and was considered an unofficial national anthem, instead of the Chinese anthem “March of the Volunteers”.
Google told Reuters it is reviewing the decision. It has previously said it will not change its search results to display China's national anthem instead of the protest song when users search for Hong Kong's national anthem.
DGX Music, the band behind the song, did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.
(Reporting by Jessie Pang; additional reporting by Simon Lewis)
Source: CNN Brasil
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