HONG KONG (AP) — An appeals court Wednesday granted the Hong Kong government’s request to ban a popular protest song, overturning an earlier ruling and deepening concerns over the erosion of freedoms in the once-freewheeling global financial hub.
“Glory to Hong Kong” was often sung by demonstrators during the huge anti-government protests in 2019. The song was later mistakenly played as the city’s anthem at international sporting events, instead of China’s “March of the Volunteers,” in mix-ups that upset city officials.
Critics have said prohibiting broadcast or distribution of the song further reduces freedom of expression since Beijing launched a crackdown in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests. They have also warned the ban might disrupt the operation of tech giants and hurt the city’s appeal as a business center.
Judge Jeremy Poon wrote that the composer intended for the song to be a “weapon” and so it had become, pointing to its power in arousing emotions among some residents of the city.
The opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship is delayed with rain in the forecast
Oklahoma tornadoes kill 4; state of emergency issued amid damage
Chicago White Sox promote right
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla says playoff basketball doesn't change much from regular season
UN food agency fears an escalation on the Lebanese
Pope visits Venice to speak to the artists and inmates behind the Biennale's must
Vanessa Lachey says she is 'gutted, confused, blindsided' by sudden cancelation of NCIS: Hawaii
REVEALED: The full list of celebrities who have admitted to taking Ozempic
United Auto Workers reaches deal with Daimler Truck, averting potential strike in North Carolina
Selena Gomez says she is releasing her pent
Police officer hiring in US increases in 2023 after years of decline, survey shows