10th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong’s government has applied for an injunction to ban the use of the pro-democracy song, “Glory to Hong Kong,” which has become an unofficial anthem for the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The Department of Justice stated that it wants to make it illegal to perform or disseminate the song to prevent people from inciting secession or insulting China’s national anthem.
The government also seeks to ban 32 videos of the song on YouTube, including the English, Dutch, and Japanese versions. The injunction application comes after the song has been played at several global events, including an ice hockey competition in February. The government alleges that the song has been mistakenly presented as the “national anthem of Hong Kong,” which not only insults the national anthem but also causes serious damage to the country and the HKSAR. The government is concerned that the song’s lyrics include slogans that may incite violence and secession.
The case will be heard in the High Court next Monday (12th) and is part of the government’s crackdown on pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong.
The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, has stated that the song’s lyrics include slogans that may incite violence and secession, and the song has been mistakenly presented as the “national anthem of Hong Kong,” which not only insults the national anthem but also causes serious damage to the country and the HKSAR. He emphasised that the government must take action.
Regarding the specifics of the injunction, Tang emphasised that it is not possible to determine what constitutes a criminal offence based on two sentences. It depends on the context of the event, including whether there was an intention to commit a criminal offence and whether there was any criminal behaviour.
Regarding the recent arrests of individuals, Tang mentioned that some have been released on bail. He emphasised that the government must maintain public order and national security, and anyone who violates the law will be prosecuted. Law enforcement standards are clear, and no one is exempt from the law.
Regarding the proposed legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, Tang stated that it will be completed by the end of this year or next year at the latest. The government has completed the first draft of the bill, but there have been changes in the overall national security situation, and new court cases have emerged. There will be public consultations and efforts to explain the bill to the public to avoid misunderstandings. The government aims to ensure that the legislation is comprehensive and effective in safeguarding national security.