Hong Kong judge declines to ban pro-democracy movement anthem
The injunction would have posed significant challenges for tech companies, forcing them to censor the unofficial anthem of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement or be in violation of local law.
Local rights activists feared the ban was a given, considering China’s ever tighter grip on the territory, warning it would allow Beijing to influence freedom of information for internet users everywhere.
But High Court Judge Anthony Chan on Friday ruled that granting the injunction would have “chilling effects.”
“Innocent people might be discouraged from legitimate activities involving the Song for fear of the severe consequences,” he wrote in his decision.
Hong Kong’s city government last month asked the court to prohibit the broadcast or distribution of the song, contending it contains a slogan that constitutes a call for secession.
That is an offense under the sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, which significantly restricted free expression and criminalized activities seen as advocating for Hong Kong’s independence or subverting state power.
If the court had ruled in the government’s favor, it would have meant people would be outright banned from singing the lyrics or humming the melody of “Glory to Hong Kong” or sharing it in any form online.
A man was arrested for sedition last year for playing the tune on a harmonica during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
